This quote from Mohsin Hamid's Exit West deeply resonates with the human condition, underscoring the limits of endurance in the face of relentless adversity. It metaphorically compares the act of fleeing, typically an instinctual response for survival, to the physical and emotional exhaustion that catches even the most determined creatures. The hunted animal’s eventual cessation of flight symbolizes a universal breaking point where continuing to run is no longer sustainable. This moment of halting, though brief, becomes a poignant space for reflection, acceptance, or confrontation with reality.

In a broader sense, the quote reflects the experience of individuals driven by circumstances beyond their control—such as war, displacement, or trauma—who tirelessly seek safety yet face the fatigue of continuous upheaval. Hamid’s wording evokes both vulnerability and inevitability, suggesting that while the desire to survive propels people forward, human limits always come into play. The temporary surrender to fate could be interpreted as a necessary pause, a moment to reclaim strength, or a sobering acknowledgment of earthly constraints.

Ultimately, this quote compels readers to empathize with those enduring profound struggles, and to appreciate the strength it takes to keep moving despite exhaustion. It also invites contemplation on the ways society supports or fails to support those at the brink, emphasizing the importance of doing more than just running: seeking community, rest, and resilience. It echoes a truth about the fragility and tenacity woven into every human journey.