When someone says that "we as a people are passing through the hands of time," it is often a poetic or metaphorical way of expressing the idea that humanity is progressing or moving forward through the passage of time. It signifies that time is a force that shapes and influences the course of human events, and as time continues to flow, societies, cultures, and individuals evolve and change.
This phrase can also convey a sense of impermanence and the transitory nature of life. It reminds us that nothing is static, and everything is subject to the passage of time. It suggests that we are all part of an ongoing journey, collectively experiencing the effects of time on our lives, civilizations, and the world around us.
Overall, this expression highlights the idea of continuous change, growth, and the interconnectedness of human existence with the passage of time. It can serve as a reminder to appreciate the present moment while acknowledging the ongoing flow of history.