The quote emphasizes the difficulty of forming meaningful connections with others if one holds a judgmental view of those around them. When a person believes that everyone except themselves is incompetent or foolish, it creates barriers to collaboration and understanding. This perspective can lead to isolation and a lack of empathy, as they might struggle to see value in others' contributions.

Lynne Truss, in her book "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation," uses this idea to highlight the importance of open-mindedness and the willingness to engage with differing perspectives. To foster rational and effective communication, it is essential to approach others with respect and an acknowledgment of their worth, rather than dismissing them outright.