In the excerpt from "Pathfinder" by Orson Scott Card, an expendable being reflects on its existence, proclaiming that it is designed to be eternal, capable of witnessing the entirety of human history. This being can observe significant events, such as the construction and destruction of the pyramids, the changing ice ages, and even the return of dinosaurs, yet it acknowledges the emptiness of its purpose. Despite its ability to endure, it recognizes that it will have no meaningful role after its creator's death.

This introspection leads to a profound realization about the human experience. The expendable's sense of purposelessness mirrors how humans often grapple with the search for meaning in their lives. Just as the being contemplates its eternal existence without a significant task, it draws a parallel to the existential struggles faced by humans, prompting a reflection on the nature of life and the quest for meaning amidst inevitable mortality.