The quote from Michael Lewis's "Flash Boys" highlights the diminishing ability of light to convey information as it moves away from its source. As light travels, it loses intensity, which affects its effectiveness in transmitting data over distances. This serves as a poignant metaphor for the challenges faced in high-speed trading, where precision and clarity are essential but can be hindered by distance and degradation over time.

Moreover, the observation draws attention to the broader implications of how information transfer can be compromised in various contexts, not just in finance. Just as light must be managed in trading systems, effective communication and data transmission rely on maintaining strength and clarity throughout their journey, emphasizing the importance of minimizing loss in any exchange of information.