The quote from Aimee Bender's "The Girl in the Flammable Skirt" suggests that as people become more intelligent, there is a risk of neglecting emotional depth and connection. It implies that an overemphasis on intellect may lead to a lack of compassion and understanding, which are essential for a thriving society.
Bender highlights a concerning relationship between cognitive expansion and emotional depletion. The notion that "the world dries up and dies" indicates that without a balance of thought and heartfelt connection, both individuals and society could suffer. This critique serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our emotional well-being alongside intellectual growth.