At the time in our lives that we met, we had both made our mistakes. If chance would have had it that we would have met at an earlier stage, we might not have had the discoveries together that we did have and found those things in life together that were valuable to us at a later point in life when we were both more mature.

In this quote, Robert Wolders reflects on the timing of his meeting with a significant person in his life. He acknowledges that both of them had made mistakes in their past, and he suggests that if they had met at an earlier stage, they might not have experienced the same discoveries or learned the valuable lessons they did. The quote highlights the idea that timing plays a crucial role in relationships and personal growth, with both individuals possibly benefiting from meeting at a point when they were more mature and ready to appreciate each other’s qualities.

The meaning behind the quote speaks to the concept of personal growth and maturity. Wolders suggests that sometimes people need to go through certain life experiences—making mistakes and learning from them—before they are truly ready for meaningful connections. Meeting later in life allowed both individuals to value each other and the discoveries they made together in a way that might not have been possible at an earlier stage of their lives.

The origin of the quote likely comes from Wolders' personal experiences in relationships, where he reflects on the importance of timing and personal development. He seems to be acknowledging that while love and relationships are influenced by external factors like chance, they are also deeply shaped by internal factors such as life experiences and emotional maturity.

Ultimately, Wolders' words emphasize the belief that timing and maturity are key in forming deep and lasting connections. The quote serves as a reminder that the right relationship often comes when both individuals have had the opportunity to grow, learn from their past, and approach the relationship with a sense of wisdom and understanding that may not have been possible earlier in life.