The quote reflects on the nature of names and their significance in relation to time. A name can evoke memories of the past or represent a future possibility, depending on one's perspective. Whaletown, once a vibrant place, is now just a distant memory, while Desolation Sound retains an essence that feels both prophetic and ghostly, suggesting a connection to present and future realms.

This duality implies that names are powerful; they can carry the weight of history or hint at what is yet to come. The contrast between past and present displays how perception shapes our understanding of places and their meanings, with some names fading into obscurity while others remain alive with promise and mystery.