In "Cosmopolis," Don DeLillo explores the concept of time as a valuable entity within the modern corporate landscape, suggesting that it is increasingly commodified and shaped by the dynamics of free market forces. The notion that the present is becoming elusive reflects a societal shift where the relentless pursuit of future gains in uncontrolled markets overshadows the significance of current experiences. As a result, time itself is perceived as an asset that is consumed in the quest for economic potential.

The urgency for change is palpable, with the text hinting at an imminent event that might recalibrate the relentless pace of modern life. This call for a return to a more balanced state of nature underscores the need to reintegrate the present with our increasingly fast-paced future. In essence, DeLillo's narrative serves as a critique of a world where time is sacrificed at the altar of financial ambition, urging a reconsideration of our relationship with time and nature.