In Denis Johnson's "Tree of Smoke," the quote highlights the sometimes absurd nature of bureaucracy, suggesting that to a bureaucrat, everything has value until they are forced to confront the act of discarding it. This reflects a deep-seated fear of waste and loss, indicating that even objects deemed worthless by others still hold significance in the bureaucrat's world. The emotional burden of throwing things away reveals a complex relationship between individuals and their possessions.

This notion points to the broader theme of attachment and the struggle to find meaning in an often chaotic environment. The bureaucrat’s reluctance to let go illustrates how responsibilities can hinder personal freedom. Ultimately, the quote encapsulates the tension between practicality and sentimentality in human behavior, urging readers to consider what it means to truly value or discard something in both physical and emotional terms.