The quote from Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections" highlights the idea that human perception and understanding are fundamentally visual. It suggests that experiences and thoughts are only processed in our minds when they can be converted into mental images, emphasizing the importance of imagery in cognition.

This reflects a broader theme in literature and psychology where visualization plays a crucial role in how we interpret the world around us. By expressing this concept, Franzen invites readers to consider how their thoughts and emotions are shaped by the pictures they create in their minds, affecting their reality and interactions.