This quote from Ricardo Piglia's Night White encapsulates a fascinating intersection between language, desire, and memory. The speaker's attraction is not merely physical or emotional but deeply intellectual and linguistic. The mention of the "present perfect indicative" — a verb tense that links past actions with present relevance — serves as a metaphor for how past experiences persist in the present moment, shaping and justifying the passions we feel.

What resonates strongly here is the subtle suggestion that communication, especially the nuances of language, can hold tremendous power in human relationships. The act of speaking, and the way one speaks, becomes a form of seduction in itself. The speaker's enthusiasm ignited by hearing this tense highlights how even seemingly mundane grammatical structures can carry emotional weight and evoke intimacy.

Moreover, the phrase "as if the presence of the past in the present justified any passion" raises an intriguing philosophical reflection. It suggests that our desires may seek validation from continuity and memory — that connecting with the past gives legitimacy or grounding to emotions felt now. This evocative line invites readers to think about how the past influences not just our thoughts and feelings, but even our strongest, most immediate desires.

In essence, Piglia's quote beautifully marries linguistic detail with profound themes of love, memory, and expression. It reminds us that the ways we communicate are closely intertwined with how we experience and validate our emotions in a deeply human way.