The quote from Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety" expresses the exhaustion that comes from navigating the complexities and burdens of the existing world. The weight of traditional norms and the relentless flow of competing opinions create a sense of fatigue. This overwhelming nature of societal expectations makes one long for a simpler existence, free from the constraints of outdated conventions and constant reassessments.

Mantel's reflection suggests a desire for a more straightforward reality, albeit one that might be more intense and unyielding. The imagery of "shoveling" away the old world illustrates the struggle to break free from entanglements and frustrations. It underscores a yearning for clarity and authenticity in a world often muddied by bureaucracy and conflicting ideas.