The quote from James Patterson's book "Zoo" suggests that catastrophic change or destruction does not happen suddenly or violently, but gradually over time. Instead of an instant disaster, the fall of civilization or nature's decline occurs slowly, like rust spreading or dandelions taking over, illustrating a slow decay rather than an immediate upheaval.

It emphasizes the idea that significant transformations are often subtle and barely noticeable at first, unfolding quietly rather than with dramatic events. This "whimper" rather than a "bang" highlights how the end of something familiar might come gradually, giving less time to prepare or recognize the impending change.