The quote emphasizes the idea that stories are not confined to a single beginning, as the phrase "once upon a time" suggests. Instead, it indicates that every time someone reads a book, the story comes to life anew, creating a continuous cycle of experience. The act of reading allows the narrative to be revisited countless times, thus making it timeless and ever-relevant.

This perspective highlights the relationship between readers and literature, suggesting that stories transcend their written words. Each engagement with the book revives the tale, making it a shared experience between generations. The "dusty old book" symbolizes the longevity of stories, reminding us that narratives endure and evolve with every retelling and interpretation.