The quote reflects a profound sense of despair and futility that comes with the realization of the limitations of human experience and knowledge. The comparison of a library to a mausoleum suggests that books harbor not just stories but also remnants of the past—wisdom and secrets that are now beyond reach. The weight of this awareness can feel overwhelming, as it implies that no matter how much one tries to gain knowledge or understand the world, there will always be more that remains inaccessible, forever lost.

This existential contemplation leads to the notion that if one cannot engage with everything meaningful in life, there seems to be little value in pursuing any part of it. The metaphor of taking a single breath, knowing it will be the last, emphasizes the inevitability of death and the anxiety that accompanies it. It suggests that, much like the fate of extinction, there is a resignation to the limits of existence and knowledge, amplifying the sorrow tied to unfinished quests and unfulfilled potential.