The quote reflects on humanity's tendency to use euphemisms and distractions to avoid confronting fundamental truths about existence. By creating linguistic barriers, individuals often refuse to acknowledge harsh realities, including the inherent conditions of life and death that all must face. This avoidance can stem from a desire to escape from the psychological burden that accompanies such truths.
The author suggests that each moment of enlightenment or awakening often comes at a significant cost, illustrated by tragic events like plane crashes, tsunamis, or civil wars. These calamities serve as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the collective human experience of suffering, which is often overlooked in the pursuit of denial and distraction.