The quote presents a profound reconsideration of the traditional concept of evolution. Instead of viewing evolution as a simple, branched family tree where species diverge linearly, it encourages us to think of it as a complex, multidimensional process. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of life on Earth, suggesting that all life forms are part of one vast, dynamic organism that continuously transforms. The metaphor of a "single multidimensional being" conveys a holistic view, wherein evolution is not about isolated lineages but about a collective life system evolving across time and space.

This view aligns with contemporary understandings in biology about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and genetic exchange, such as horizontal gene transfer in microorganisms, symbiotic relationships, and co-evolution. It dismantles the notion of separation and hierarchical categorization often implied by the classic family tree model. Moreover, it reflects the reality that life adapts and evolves not just through divergence but also through cooperation, fusion, and convergence.

The idea that this "single multidimensional being" has grown to cover the entire surface of Earth also illustrates the pervasive reach of life and its capacity to transform diverse environments. It sustains the awe-inspiring image of life as a unified presence, blurring boundaries between organisms and ecosystems. Lynn Margulis, whose work often highlighted symbiosis as a fundamental driver of evolution, reinforces through this quote the concept that the evolutionary narrative is more about collaboration and integration than mere competition and isolation. This holistic evolutionary view invites us to appreciate our place within a grand, interconnected system that embodies Earth's living mantle.