The quote reflects on the common complaint about the impersonal nature of modern life, suggesting that this perception is misleading. The speaker believes that modernity has always been supported by a complex network of people whose contributions often go unrecognized. Instead of lacking personal connections, the world is profoundly reliant on individuals working quietly behind the scenes.
When these individuals stop fulfilling their roles, the foundations of society falter, revealing the interdependence of human relationships. This underscores the notion that the systems we take for granted thrive on the labor of countless individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing their contributions.