In Jonathan Safran Foer's book "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," the quote, "Anyone who believes that a second is faster than a decade did not live life," encapsulates the idea that time is perceived differently based on our experiences. It suggests that the richness and complexity of life can make a brief moment feel more significant than a long passage of time when we are simply existing rather than truly living. The author emphasizes that meaningful experiences can stretch our perception of time.

This profound observation highlights the contrast between fleeting moments and long-term experiences. It reminds readers that life’s most impactful moments can redefine how we measure time. Instead of viewing time merely as units that pass, Foer encourages a perspective that recognizes the depth found in lived experiences, illustrating how our emotional and mental engagement with events can expand or compress our understanding of time's flow.