This quote poignantly encapsulates the permanence of memory and the constancy of human experience across time. It suggests that every moment, every action leaves an indelible mark—whether tangible like a canceled check or intangible like the emotional residue of past pain ("the twitch in the old wound"). In Robert Penn Warren's observation, nothing truly disappears; history is layered within the present, and the past continuously informs our understanding of life. The idea that "all times are one time" presents a profound philosophical assertion about the fluidity of temporal experience and the interconnectedness of all human lives throughout history. This reflects the notion that the dead are not simply gone; they are given existence and meaning through the stories we tell and the memories we preserve. It urges us to recognize our responsibility to acknowledge and give voice to those who came before us, ensuring that their experiences are not lost but rather become part of an ongoing human narrative. Coming across this quote within the context of 'Natchez Burning' by Greg Iles enriches its significance, as the novel itself navigates through themes of historical injustice, collective memory, and the consequences of buried truths. The vivid imagery such as "the baby shoes dipped in bronze" or "the condom on the park path" grounds this timeless idea in everyday reality, reminding us that the traces of humanity manifest in both profound and ordinary ways. This passage calls us to reflect on the weight and persistence of the past, compelling us to listen carefully to the stories that shadows whisper to us.