Meaning: The quote "The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today" is from the book "Through the Looking-Glass" by Lewis Carroll, the sequel to his famous work "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The quote is spoken by the White Queen to Alice during a conversation about the passage of time and the unusual nature of time in Wonderland.

In this quote, the White Queen is expressing the concept of time in a whimsical and paradoxical manner. She is referring to the idea that in Wonderland, the characters can experience jam either in the past or in the future, but never in the present. This notion highlights the surreal and nonsensical nature of Wonderland, where time does not necessarily follow the conventional rules and expectations.

The quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of time and the human tendency to either dwell on the past or look forward to the future, often neglecting to fully appreciate and live in the present moment. By using the example of jam, a simple and relatable pleasure, Carroll illustrates the absurdity of focusing too much on what has already happened or what is yet to come, at the expense of enjoying the present.

Carroll's works, including "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," are known for their whimsical and playful exploration of logic, language, and reality. The characters and situations in these stories often challenge traditional notions of time, space, and identity, creating a world where the ordinary rules of the real world are suspended.

The concept of "jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today" has been widely discussed and analyzed by literary scholars and Carroll enthusiasts. Some interpretations suggest that the quote reflects Carroll's own fascination with the elusive nature of time and the human perception of it. Others view it as a philosophical reflection on the human tendency to procrastinate or to idealize the past or future at the expense of the present.

The quote has also been referenced in popular culture and has been used in various contexts to convey the idea of postponing gratification or the futility of dwelling on the past or future. Its paradoxical and thought-provoking nature has made it a memorable and often quoted line from Carroll's body of work.

In conclusion, the quote "The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today" from Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass" captures the whimsical and paradoxical nature of time in Wonderland. It serves as a playful commentary on the human perception of time and the tendency to overlook the present in favor of the past or future. Carroll's exploration of this concept reflects his larger interest in challenging conventional logic and reality in his works, making the quote a notable and thought-provoking element of his literary legacy.