In "Paris to the Moon," Adam Gopnik explores the intimate connection between language and identity. He suggests that our first language is as vital to us as the air we breathe, shaping our thoughts and emotions from the earliest moments of our lives. This profound relationship underscores how language is woven into the fabric of our everyday experience, influencing our perceptions and connections with the world around us.

Gopnik contrasts this with the way we interact with a second language, likening it to swimming. While we may learn and use a second language fluently, it often feels less instinctual compared to our mother tongue. This metaphor highlights the complexities of navigating different linguistic landscapes, reflecting both familiarity and distance. Overall, the quote reinforces the deep-seated role that our primary language plays in defining who we are.