This quote is a profound reflection on the nature of true possession, suggesting that genuine ownership or connection goes beyond the physical or the superficial. It implies that if you truly possess something, in the deepest sense of the word, it can never be taken away from you.

The ‘it’ in this quote could refer to a wide range of things such as knowledge, love, passion, or even an understanding of oneself. For instance, if you truly ‘have’ knowledge, you never lose it because it becomes a part of you, ingrained in your mind and shaping your worldview. Similarly, if you truly love someone, that love doesn’t just disappear, even if circumstances change. If you lose that love, it suggests it wasn’t truly love to begin with.

This quote can be applied in today’s world in various contexts. In terms of personal development, it encourages introspection and honesty about what we genuinely possess. For instance, if someone claims to have a passion for a certain career path but easily gives up when faced with challenges, it suggests they never truly had that passion. The quote pushes us to reflect on our true motivations and desires, and to distinguish them from temporary or superficial interests.

In a broader societal context, this quote could be a commentary on the materialistic culture prevalent today. Many people measure success by the accumulation of wealth or possessions. However, this quote suggests that true ‘possession’ goes beyond material goods. It could be interpreted as a call to focus on what we genuinely value and connect with, rather than chasing after transient or superficial markers of success.

Overall, this quote is a reminder that true possession is deep, enduring, and cannot be lost. It encourages us to focus on cultivating such genuine connections and possessions, whether they be knowledge, relationships, or self-understanding.