We never know how high we are

“We never know how high we are” allows for multiple interpretations. In one reading, the theme is humility. Humans don’t know how high they are because they don’t tend to think highly of themselves. They are (or should be) meek and self-effacing until the moment arrives when they have to act courageously. A fair amount of humans won’t be called or put in heroic situations. If every human was a hero, it “would be a daily thing” (Line 6), and heroism would lose its exceptional stature. It’s positive that “Cubits warp” (Line 7) people. The cubits keep people in check and in the role the “plan” (Line 3) assigned them. This is not resignation or servility but awareness. Humans are conscious of the drawbacks of trying to be something they’re not, like a king. They know the terrifying power of rulers. It’s better to be modest than status-seeking or tyrannical.

A second interpretation centers on the theme of cowardice. More humans would be heroes if they weren’t scared of their potential and didn’t let cubits warp them. Warping manipulates nature and turns it into something else; cubits shouldn’t prevent humans from rising, touching the skies, and ascending to the level of heroes and kings.