In the grand scope of evolutionary history, the transition of humans to bipedalism and the development of complex thoughts is a relatively recent phenomenon. This suggests that our capacity to think deeply and face challenges has not been an inherent part of our existence for very long. Despite this short span of time, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, hinting at our vulnerability to burnout.
The notion of stress and exhaustion is a common experience in contemporary life. Murakami's quote serves as a reminder that it's natural to feel overwhelmed and that we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves when these feelings arise. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limits in a world that demands constant mental engagement.