This quote reflects the inevitability of choices we make when we are born, such as the time, place, and life path we adopt. With birth comes the loss of countless potential versions of ourselves, as we can only live one life at a time. Miyazaki highlights that once we make these choices, there’s no way to go back and explore those other possibilities. This sense of finality is why many people are drawn to fantasy worlds in movies, as they represent the dreams and aspirations that remain unfulfilled in our actual lives. These worlds allow us to imagine what could have been, providing a comforting escape from the limitations of reality. Ultimately, the longing for these alternate selves and experiences enriches our understanding of freedom and personal growth.