The quote reflects Houellebecq's deep yearning for an existence rooted in literature, suggesting that he finds the real world disappointing and unsatisfactory. From a young age, he recognized that reading could fulfill his desires in a way that life could not. The 'texture of the world' he describes denotes the complexities and challenges of reality that often feel overwhelming and unchangeable. This longing highlights a mindset where the escape into books offers freedom and solace from life’s harshness. He expresses a sense of loss regarding the life he wished to lead, one filled with stories and imagination instead of painful realities. Ultimately, the quote invites us to consider how our own lives might be shaped by our desires for escape and fulfillment through different means, be it literature or other passions.