In the quote from Vladimir Nabokov's "Transparent Things," the author suggests that the allure of the past is intertwined with how we perceive the future. He posits that if the future were as tangible and understandable as the past, it would counterbalance our nostalgic tendencies. The implication is that our fixation on past experiences can overshadow our anticipation of what lies ahead.

Nabokov emphasizes the importance of time's duality, where the past holds a magnetic pull due to its familiarity, while the future remains uncertain. This reflection encourages readers to consider how our understanding and appreciation of time can shape our decisions and priorities, urging us to strike a balance between remembrance and foresight.