The quote from Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" reflects on the rarity of magnificence in both human creations and the natural world. The comparison of erections to St. Peter's Basilica highlights how few structures match its grandeur. This suggests that while humans can create remarkable architecture, such achievements are scarce in comparison to the overall output of human construction.

Additionally, the reference to creatures, particularly the whale, emphasizes the uniqueness and size of such beings in nature. The statement implies that while there are countless species, only a few stand out as truly magnificent or vast, reinforcing the theme of rarity in both human endeavors and the wonders of the natural world.