The quote reflects a sense of overwhelming anticipation about the future. It conveys the idea that the prospect of encountering significant people and making consequential choices can feel burdensome. The narrator grapples with the possibilities of success and failure that lie ahead, suggesting that the weight of potential outcomes can be daunting.

Additionally, the imagery of the future as a cloud of midges evokes a feeling of confusion and uncertainty. It highlights the fleeting nature of time and the difficulty of navigating through life's myriad of possibilities. The sense of unrealness emphasizes the challenge of comprehending what is to come while being fully present in the moment.