The quote reflects on the enduring impact of spoken words compared to physical inscriptions. When someone expresses anger, their words can cause lasting consequences, and while we may choose to overlook them for the sake of harmony, the truth remains that these verbal wounds often stay with us. The act of apologizing does not erase the lingering feelings resulting from those moments of candor.
This contrast highlights the irony of communication; while we strive to memorialize significant moments, like those etched in stone, spoken words tend to have a far more profound and lasting effect on our psyche. Despite our attempts to cherish memories, it's the words that touch our hearts, for better or worse, that truly remain with us, often outlasting the physical reminders we strive to preserve.