I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is inprobably biased toward the consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance being observed. And who am I, living in the middle of history, to tell the universe that it-or my observation of it-is temporary?

This quote is saying that it is possible that the universe is aware of us, the people living in the middle of history, and that it appreciates our intelligence. The universe may find joy in being observed by us, in particular our intelligence and sense of elegance. We, as people living in the middle of history, are unable to tell the universe that it or our observations of it are only temporary.