In her memoir, Azar Nafisi reflects on the moments when individuals pursued their passions and aspirations without fully realizing their significance. The quote emphasizes a common human experience: we often find ourselves immersed in our dreams without recognizing their potential impact on our lives at the time. These dreams can shape our identities and perspectives, influenced by literature and personal experiences.

Nafisi's insights suggest that dreams can sometimes appear inconspicuous until we look back and see how they guided our paths. The journey of exploring literature in a repressive society becomes a metaphor for the discovery of one's own dreams and desires, leading to a deeper understanding of personal and collective aspirations.