In Haruki Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore," the notion that everyone experiences change and damage over time is a central theme. The quote suggests that time acts as a transformative force, affecting individuals in ways that may alter their essence and perceptions. This inevitability of transformation highlights the fragility of human existence and the continuation of life's journey, where personal struggles are universal and unavoidable.

Murakami's exploration of time emphasizes that, regardless of one's circumstances, the passage of time will eventually leave its mark, shaping one’s identity and experiences. The quote resonates with the idea that life is a continuous cycle of change, where every individual, in their own way, confronts the reality of becoming something different as they navigate through personal challenges and the complexities of existence.