"I would have thought there to be worse fates than this, but now I know there are none. Man is no island. We need those who love us. We need those who hate us. We need others to tether us to life, to give us a reason to live, to feel."
When Darrow is imprisoned, he realizes the importance of socialization and connecting with others. Part of his punishment is being isolated in a dark cell, which causes him to overthink things and to start hearing voices. During one episode, he realizes reflects on the importance of having other people to "tether us to life," and make our existence worthwhile.
"The Vale is not real. It's a lie told by mothers and fathers to give their starving children a reason for the horror. There is no reason."
Darrow reflects on the horrific experiences he has endured and concludes that the Vale is not real. The Vale is a concept created by Brown in the Red Rising trilogy and is essentially heaven or the afterlife. Here, Reds can enjoy a happy and comfortable afterlife, which makes up for the hardship they endured while alive.
"But then I remember what he's done to me... it rips my soul out."
After enduring months of imprisonment and torture, Darrow finally sees another human face. However, it is the fact of the Jackal, the person who is responsible for his imprisonment. As such, Darrow feels repulsed at the sight of him, describing it in the above passage.
