In Nick Hornby's book "High Fidelity," the protagonist expresses a deep sense of indecision and the emotional toll it takes on him. The quote reflects a fear of inaction, where a lack of commitment leads to a gradual decline in his happiness and fulfillment. The character grapples with the significance of making choices and the consequences that come with avoiding them.
This perspective highlights how small, unmade decisions can accumulate over time, resulting in a sense of stagnation and dissatisfaction. The idea of "suicide by tiny increments" suggests that failing to engage with life fully can be just as detrimental as more overt forms of disengagement. Hornby illustrates the struggle between fear of commitment and the desire for a meaningful existence.