In this quote, Philip K. Dick illustrates the concept of perception and reality being shaped by our own minds. He uses the analogy of astigmatism, a condition affecting the clarity of vision, to convey how our understanding of space and time is influenced by our psyche. The comparison to a disturbance in the middle ear further emphasizes the fragility of our perception and how easily it can be distorted. Ultimately, Dick suggests that when our sense of balance falters, our perception of reality can become skewed and disjointed. This quote highlights the complex relationship between the mind and the external world, prompting readers to question the nature of their own perceptions.