In Philip K. Dick's novel "The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch," the character Barney observes a pervasive sense of stagnation among those around him. He feels that everyone is idle, as if time itself has come to a standstill, leaving them in a state of existential limbo. The emptiness he perceives is a profound comment on the human condition, highlighting how a lack of purpose can weigh heavily on individuals.

This line captures a moment of introspection, reflecting the bleak atmosphere that permeates the story. The notion of "empty time" signifies not just a lack of activities, but a deeper existential crisis. Through Barney's perspective, Dick explores themes of meaning and the struggles of individuals to find significance in a world that often feels devoid of direction.