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. -MARCEL PROUST, REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST
The quote highlights the enduring nature of taste and smell in preserving memories when everything else has faded away. Even when people and objects have disappeared, these sensory experiences linger on, holding fragments of the past. They are fragile yet persistent, reminiscent of souls that remain amidst the ruins of time, capturing the essence of memories lost to the ages.
This sentiment aligns with the themes in "The Book of Lost Fragrances" by M.J. Rose, where the importance of scent as a powerful trigger for recollection is emphasized. The narrative suggests that while physical remnants may vanish, the experiences tied to taste and smell can evoke deep emotional connections and memories that stand the test of time.
