You can't believe people when they look you in the eyes. You gotta' look behind them. See what they're standing in front of. What they're hiding. Everyone's hiding, Wes. Everybody. Nobody look like what they are.
The quote from Sam Shepard's "Curse of the Starving Class" suggests a deep skepticism about people's honesty and outward appearances. The speaker implies that true understanding requires looking beyond mere eye contact, as individuals often conceal their true selves behind facades. This observation points to a universal truth about human behavior, where inner struggles and intentions are frequently masked by external appearances.
Furthermore, the message highlights the idea that everyone has something they hide, indicating a shared experience of vulnerability and pretense. The phrase "Nobody look like what they are" invites reflection on the complexities of identity, suggesting that the reality of a person’s character may be obscured. In essence, the quote serves as a reminder to be cautious in forming judgments based solely on what is visible to the eye.