But when from a long-distant past nothing subsists, after the people are dead, after the things are broken and scattered, taste and smell alone, more fragile but more enduring, more unsubstantial, more persistent, more faithful, remain poised a long time, like souls, remembering, waiting, hoping, amid the ruins of all the rest; and bear unflinchingly, in the tiny and almost impalpable drop of their essence, the vast structure of recollection.
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The essence of memory is intricately linked to the senses of taste and smell, which endure even after everything else has faded away. In a world where people and objects have vanished, these senses stand as fragile yet powerful reminders of the past, akin to lingering souls that remember and hope amid decay. They offer a unique connection to history that transcends time and physical remnants.
This quote highlights how flavors and aromas can evoke deep recollections, serving as vessels of remembrance. Even the smallest trace of these sensory experiences can encapsulate vast memories, preserving the essence of what once was and keeping the spirit of the past alive in a way that is both delicate and profound.
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