“Absence is to love what wind is to fire; it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great”
— Umberto Eco
Simplified Meaning:
When someone is away for a while, it can change how strong your feelings are. If your feelings were small to begin with, being apart might make them fade away, just like how a small flame can be blown out by the wind. But if your feelings were strong, being apart can make them even stronger, kind of like how wind can make a big fire burn brighter. For example, think about best friends who go to different schools. If their friendship isn't very deep, they might slowly stop talking to each other. But if they really care about each other, they will find ways to stay in touch, and their bond will grow even stronger. In your own life, if you love someone deeply, being separated can help you realize how important they are to you. But if the love isn't strong, the separation will just cause you to drift apart. So, it shows how true love becomes stronger even when tested by distance.