In this excerpt from Vladimir Nabokov's "The Stories of Vladimir Nabokov," the author reflects on the human tendency to feel a sense of importance in relation to the universe. People often convince themselves that their existence is crucial to the world around them, suggesting that reality only matters insofar as it is perceived by human consciousness. This perspective can provide a sense of comfort against the vastness of existence.

Conversely, the mention of death and the infinite expanse of galaxies highlights our innate fears. Such concepts challenge our understanding and stretch beyond what we can comprehend, making them daunting. This contrast illustrates the tension between our desire for significance and the overwhelming reality of a universe that exists independently of our perceptions.