The quote "It's always night, or we wouldn't need light" from Thomas Pynchon's book "Against the Day" suggests a deeper metaphor about human existence and awareness. It implies that darkness is a constant aspect of life, and light is only a temporary necessity to navigate through it. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the challenges and uncertainties we face, highlighting that without darkness, the need for illumination would not exist. Pynchon's words encourage reflection on our reliance on light, both literal and metaphorical.

This perspective invites readers to consider how the presence of darkness shapes our understanding of the world. The concept of "always night" might symbolize the inherent struggles and conflicts encountered in life, which lead us to seek out enlightenment and clarity. Pynchon’s insight calls attention to the relationship between light and dark, urging us to appreciate the contrasting experiences that define our journey. In this light, the quote resonates with themes of resilience and the human condition.