The quote suggests that the ocean has always been a constant presence in human life, symbolizing eternity and continuity. It implies that even without the belief in a divine being, the natural world, represented by the ocean, remains a timeless and unchanging force that exists before and after individuals.
By emphasizing the ocean's enduring existence, the quote highlights the idea that nature itself offers a form of lasting presence and comfort, serving as a metaphor for permanence beyond human concerns and spirituality.