The author challenges the notion that reaching certain ages, like forty, brings significant changes to a person. Instead, they argue that these age milestones are often exaggerated by society's expectations and the self-help industry, which use them as tools for marketing and creating artificial crises. This perspective suggests that individuals remain fundamentally the same despite the passing of years.

The quote emphasizes the absurdity of assigning specific meanings to ages, such as forty, and how these arbitrary markers can lead to unnecessary pressure and expectations. It highlights the importance of recognizing that personal growth is not solely tied to age but rather to individual experiences and life events.