The quote reflects a moment of introspection where a character contemplates the lives of people from the past. The question, "They lived, didn't they?" indicates a realization that historical figures were once vibrant individuals with emotions and experiences similar to our own.

This perspective becomes poignant when one reads old letters, as they reveal the humanity and depth of those who have come before us. The connection to the past is both enlightening and touching, highlighting the powerful legacy of personal stories and the enduring nature of human emotions across time.