This quote, attributed to Plato and discussed in Walter Kaufmann's work on Nietzsche, powerfully encapsulates a profound philosophical reflection on the nature of time in relation to eternity. Time, often perceived as a linear progression marked by change and movement, is here characterized as a dynamic reflection or representation of the timeless and unchanging realm of eternity. This metaphor paints eternity not as a concept static and inert but as something alive, projected through the ever-flowing phenomena of temporal existence.

In contemplating this, one is invited to consider the relationship between the temporal and the eternal. The phrase suggests that what we experience as temporal succession and change is merely a shadow or a reflection—what the quote calls a "moving image"—of the deeper, unchanging reality of eternity. This aligns with many philosophical and spiritual traditions that distinguish the transient world from a more profound, constant truth beyond time.

Reflecting on this idea evokes a sense of awe and humility; it asks us to reconsider how we engage with time. Instead of seeing time merely as a collection of moments slipping away, it is worth recognizing it as a presentation or manifestation of something far grander. This invites mindfulness and presence, urging us to see each fleeting moment as imbued with a reflection of the eternal—which may, in turn, reshape our understanding of meaning, purpose, and the finite lives we lead.

Ultimately, this profound connection between time and eternity enriches the human experience by framing temporal existence as more than mere progression or decay. It becomes an opportunity to glimpse and participate in an infinite, timeless dimension, inviting deeper philosophical inquiry and existential contemplation.