The quote "The heart does not go backward. Only the mind" from Elizabeth Kostova's book, The Swan Thieves, suggests that our emotions and feelings remain rooted in the present, while our thoughts can revisited the past. This highlights the distinction between emotional experiences and intellectual reflections, emphasizing that our hearts are focused on what we feel in the moment rather than dwelling on what has come before.

This insight into the nature of the heart and mind encourages readers to engage with their current emotions rather than get lost in memories. It reflects the idea that while our intellect may lead us to reminisce, our feelings are tied to the present, urging us to embrace the now rather than be weighed down by the past.