In Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," the narrator imagines creating a comprehensive book that catalogs every word from all languages. This idea reflects a deep desire for connection and understanding, as having such a book would symbolize the vastness of human expression. Despite its impracticality, the book serves as a tangible representation of language's potential to convey thoughts and emotions.
Foer's quote highlights the paradox of language; while it can be limitless, the actual utility of compiling every word may be minimal. The notion of having all possible words at one's fingertips evokes a sense of comfort and completeness, suggesting that even in the chaos of life and communication, the richness of language is an important anchor for human experience.