In "The Fortress of Solitude," Jonathan Lethem captures the inevitability of certain events in life, suggesting that despite our understanding of what is to come, we often feel powerless to intervene. This notion reflects a deep acceptance of fate, where the unfolding of events feels both predictable and predetermined.

The phrase emphasizes a sense of beauty in this lack of control, particularly in the context of Friday nights, which symbolize freedom and possibilities. The idea is that, although the outcome may be foreseen, the experience itself is rich and significant, highlighting the bittersweet nature of existence.