"It seems to me self-evident that if you have a life, things happen in it, and certain things do change; certain things end. People you know die"

In this quote, Jonathan Franzen is expressing his belief that life has plenty of inescapable changes and endings. He specifies that it is self-evident, or obvious, that things happen in life and these events can produce significant changes. He also acknowledges the severe truth that death belongs of life, and individuals we understand will eventually die. This quote highlights the fragility and impermanence of life, and the concept that we must accept and adapt to these modifications as they occur. It likewise acts as a reminder to cherish the time we have actually with enjoyed ones before they are gone.