Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop. The line from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland drifted through my mind, and I smiled. Good advice, I supposed β but only if you happened to know where the beginning was, and I didn't quite.
The quote reflects a thought-provoking sentiment about the journey of life and its challenges. It suggests that while it's wise to follow a straightforward path from start to finish, identifying the true beginning can often be complex and unclear. Life's journey is not always linear, and knowing where to begin is essential for moving forward.
The character's smile indicates an acceptance of this ambiguity, acknowledging that not everyone has clarity about their starting point. This realization adds depth to the narrative, hinting at themes of exploration and the struggle for understanding one's place in the world.