In Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children," the quote highlights the relationship between language and perception of time. The idea suggests that when a culture uses the same word to describe both 'yesterday' and 'tomorrow', it reflects a more fluid understanding of time, rather than a rigid, linear perspective. This can indicate a lack of distinction between past and future, offering insight into how different societies conceptualize their experiences.

This observation prompts readers to consider the implications of their own temporal understanding. A firm grasp on time, marked by clear distinctions in language, can influence how individuals recall history and anticipate the future. Thus, the quote invites reflection on how language shapes our reality and how cultures may prioritize different aspects of time based on linguistic constructs.