In Philip Pullman's "The Amber Spyglass," the protagonist grapples with the weight of decision-making. Each choice he makes eliminates numerous alternative paths, akin to extinguishing candles. This metaphor underscores how selecting one option leads to the erasure of all others that could have unfolded, highlighting the complexity and the burden of making choices.

The passage suggests that while all possibilities exist simultaneously, taking action necessitates the abandonment of potential alternatives. The character realizes that inaction preserves all choices but ultimately requires making a decision to move forward in life. This illustrates the tension between possibility and necessity in our journeys.