In Jeffrey Eugenides' novel "Middlesex," the narrator reflects on the profound notion that as people grow older, they often don't just move forward into the future. Instead, their experiences and memories take them back in time, revisiting their childhood and even earlier stages of life. This journey into the past reveals how deeply connected individuals are to their origins and to the essence of their existence.

This introspective insight emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, where aging can sometimes lead to a communion with one's roots and past experiences. The quote suggests that as we encounter life's challenges and milestones, we find ourselves reflecting on the moments that shaped us, ultimately connecting us to those who came before us and the legacy they leave behind.