Well, as someone who's spent too much time (heh) on Heidegger lately, it was mostly just a lyrical interweaving and reflection of how I felt (and am feeling) about teaching right now. ;) However, and having been a fan of the musical for years, it wasn't until I started back in academia that I realized what/who Heidegger was; I got a serious kick out of the line, and of Tom Collins in general. I suspect that an awful lot of people in my age group - who weren't academics when Rent came out, but are now - are experiencing that same kick. :)