The quote from Jeffrey Eugenides' "Middlesex" illustrates a destructive cycle wherein the absence of love leads to a lack of connection and the eventual absence of new life. Without love, there is no one to form relationships with, and this emotional void perpetuates the isolation felt by individuals. As love diminishes, so does the potential for familial bonds, which results in fewer children being born.
This cycle reflects a deeper commentary on the human condition, suggesting that without love, society stagnates. The lack of new generations indicates that the foundational experiences of care and affection, which traditionally foster growth and community, are lost. In this way, Eugenides captures the essence of how crucial love is for the continuation of life and human connection.