The quote highlights the contrasting difficulty of destruction versus creation. It implies that acts of sabotage and chaos, such as blowing up trains, can be completed quickly and easily. In contrast, maintaining order and ensuring that systems function smoothly, like making trains run on time, requires significant effort, organization, and commitment. This is a reflection on the challenges of constructive efforts in any societal context.
The sentiment can be applied broadly, suggesting that in times of crisis, such as those depicted in Max Brooks' "World War Z," it is far simpler to foster chaos than to cultivate stability. The complexities of societal infrastructure and the perseverance needed to maintain it are often overlooked, emphasizing the fragile nature of civilization amidst turmoil.