In Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "Falcon," the author reflects on the transitory nature of life and the inevitable loss of significance attributed to certain words. He suggests that as time passes, the emotional weight and respect associated with profound terms like "honor," "homeland," and "flag" diminish, losing their capital letters – a metaphor for their deflation in meaning.

This perspective highlights how experiences shape our understanding of values, transforming once high ideals into mere echoes of their former glory. The narrative underscores a poignant observation about memory and change, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the fleeting essence of what we once held dear.