You don't get it, do you?" I said. "It's not a question of 'what then'. Some people get a kick out of reading railroad timetables and that's all they do all day. Some people make huge model boats out of matchsticks. So what's wrong if there happens to be one guy in the world who enjoys trying to understand you?
In this passage from Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood," the narrator expresses a sentiment about the nature of passions and pursuits. He argues that individuals find joy in various activities, whether it be reading timetables or crafting intricate models. His underlying message is that everyone has their unique interests that bring them fulfillment, regardless of how unconventional they may seem to others.
The narrator highlights the importance of understanding and connection, suggesting that if someone finds pleasure in attempting to understand another person, it should be embraced rather than dismissed. This perspective emphasizes the value of diverse hobbies and the richness they contribute to human experiences, suggesting that understanding one another is a worthy pursuit in itself.