"There are things you just can't do in life. You can't beat the phone company, you can't make a waiter see you until he's ready to see you, and you can't go home again"

Bill Bryson's quote is a commentary on the inevitabilities and limitations that everybody experiences in life. Through basic, everyday examples, Bryson explains the futility in trying to change specific elements of the world, highlighting the requirement of approval and patience.

The very first part of the quote, "You can't beat the phone company", recommends the disappointment and powerlessness lots of people experience when handling big corporations. It represents broader struggles against administrative systems that are typically indifferent to private problems or concerns. This shows the idea that some fights are too big for one person to conquer, highlighting the concept of knowing where to invest energy and when to accept the status quo.

The second part, "you can't make a waiter see you till he's ready to see you", reflects the universal experience of waiting on something or somebody. It's a lesson in perseverance and timing, recommending that some aspects of life are beyond instant control, and requiring action is futile until circumstances align naturally. This likewise discuss social dynamics-- understanding and navigating minutes when it's not your turn are important.

Lastly, the phrase "you can't go home once again" is a reference to Thomas Wolfe's book of the very same name, which suggests that trying to return to a previous place, state, or time often causes discontentment or disillusionment. It highlights the idea that life is naturally a forward-moving journey, and trying to regain minutes from the past may result in dissatisfaction, as whatever develops, including places and individuals.

In general, Bryson's quote is a reflection on life's inevitabilities and the knowledge in accepting certain restrictions. It motivates patience, versatility, and approval, advising people to acknowledge what they can alter and what they should learn to cope with, reinforcing strength in the face of life's obstacles.