“We the mortals touch the metals, the wind, the ocean shores, the stones, knowing they will go on, inert or burning, and I was discovering, naming all the things: it was my destiny to love and say goodbye.”

Simplified Meaning:

The quote talks about how humans interact with the world around them, knowing that these elements like metals, wind, ocean shores, and stones will continue to exist long after we are gone. It highlights the idea that part of our life journey is to discover and give names to things, connecting with them in a meaningful way. However, it also acknowledges that our time with these things is temporary, and a part of our fate is to let go or say goodbye eventually. Imagine a person who loves collecting seashells by the beach. Each time they pick up a shell, they admire its beauty and uniqueness. They know that the sea and the beach will always be there, continuing their existence, but they themselves won't always be around to enjoy them. This reflects the human experience of appreciating moments and things deeply, but also understanding that everything is fleeting and there comes a time to move on. In life, this means we should fully embrace and cherish our experiences and relationships, knowing that they are precious and temporary. It encourages us to find joy and meaning in the present, even if it also involves the inevitable goodbye.