In "Paris to the Moon," Adam Gopnik explores the complex relationship between language and identity as he reflects on his experiences living in Paris. He describes how language shapes our perceptions and interactions, emphasizing that our native tongue is deeply intertwined with our emotional and cultural roots. This connection influences how we navigate the world around us, especially in a foreign environment where we may feel out of place, relying on a second language.

The quote "we swim in our second language, we breathe in our first" captures the essence of this experience. It suggests that while one may become adept at speaking a second language, it is the first language that truly sustains and defines us on a fundamental level. Gopnik's narrative invites readers to consider how language not only serves as a means of communication but also as a vessel for our ingrained memories and identities, shaping the way we relate to different cultures.