The quote from Naguib Mahfouz's "Palace of Desire" reflects on the elusive nature of complete bliss, suggesting that it is a fleeting experience from the past that we can never fully recapture. The comparison to a soft light coming through a peephole symbolizes how we might catch glimpses of happiness, but these moments remain distant and intangible, leading to a sense of loss whenever we confront solitude.

Moreover, the author underscores the idea that solitude brings with it a profound longing for something lost. As we spend time alone, we may become acutely aware of this absence, which serves as a reminder of the joys we have experienced but cannot revisit. Overall, the passage paints a melancholic picture of memory and yearning, evoking the bittersweet nature of human experiences.