This quote from Alan Moore's 'Watchmen' encapsulates the enduring nature of trauma, memory, and the ripple effects of actions in human existence. It suggests that certain aspects of life—be they emotional wounds, moral consequences, or nostalgic memories—never truly disappear. Instead, they persist, influencing the present and shaping the future in ways that are often imperceptible but eternally impactful. This idea resonates deeply with our understanding of history and personal experience; events and emotions may fade from immediate consciousness but rarely vanish entirely. They become embedded within us, influencing our decisions and perceptions long after the initial occurrence.

The phrase invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of existence and the idea that certain struggles or truths are perpetual. It challenges notions of closure, urging us to accept a more nuanced understanding of time and change. In a broader sense, it resonates with philosophical and psychological concepts such as collective trauma, unresolved grief, and the human tendency to carry the past into the present. By acknowledging that nothing truly ends, we might find comfort in the continuity of experience, or perhaps a sense of responsibility to face unresolved issues.

Moore's quote also sparks reflection on the longevity of influence—how figures from the past continue to shape our worldview, and how moral and ethical dilemmas persist across eras. It underscores a somber but honest perspective: life is complex, layered, and perpetually interconnected. Recognizing that nothing ends can empower us to confront our history with honesty, understanding that the echoes of what has been remain with us, urging ongoing reflection and effort for growth and reconciliation.