The quote emphasizes that images we see are not the actual reality; they are just representations. Despite our tendency to accept pictures as real, they only depict a visual version of the subject, not the actual object itself. This highlights how our perception can be influenced or misled by images that lack the depth and authenticity of reality.

L.J. Smith suggests that while we often teach or learn from images, we should remember they are not the real thing. A picture of a dog, for instance, is simply an image, not the actual animal. Recognizing this distinction can help us better understand the difference between representations and reality.