In Jonathan Lethem's "Motherless Brooklyn," the peculiar relationship between cars and their designed separation illustrates the tension of modern life. Vehicles, which are engineered for efficiency and speed, exist within a framework where contact between them is deemed catastrophic. This metaphor sheds light on the isolation within urban experiences, suggesting that while we move through our cities, we often remain disconnected from one another.

This quote evokes deeper reflections on societal interactions. Just as cars navigate their paths without physical interaction, people often move through their lives without genuine connection, highlighting a sense of loneliness and alienation. Lethem uses this imagery to emphasize the strangeness and complexity of contemporary existence, where the structures meant to serve us often create barriers instead.