satisfying his theory that~

[sueno dulce]

Hi~

I couldn't understand the structure or meaning of this sentence :
<He would print only the trifling parts of the tape - the gossip and requests for drinks - satisfying his theory that what people were was more interesting than their opinions.>

Please, help me.

 

[Cagey]

He has a theory.

His theory is "what people are is more interesting than their opinions [=the opinions they have]."

His theory was that "what people were was more interesting than their opinions".

He satisfied this theory by printing only the trifling parts of the tape, gossip and requests for drinks. That is, he printed only the parts that showed what the people were and how they behaved. He didn't print what they said about other things, their opinions. When he did this he "satisfied his theory", that is, he acted according to his theory about what was important about people.

So:
<He would print only the trifling parts of the tape - the gossip and requests for drinks - satisfying his theory that what people were was more interesting than their opinions.>

Does this answer your question?

 

[sueno dulce]

Yes. yes, yes!

Thank you. your answer was perfect!