In "The Fencing Master," Arturo Pérez-Reverte reflects on the importance of maintaining a consistent self-identity throughout life. The narrator expresses that life is often a struggle to uphold a particular vision of oneself, emphasizing the need to adhere to timeless values that do not lose their significance over time. This commitment to enduring principles stands in contrast to the transient nature of contemporary trends, which the narrator dismisses as trivial and inconsequential.

Through this perspective, the author invites readers to consider the essence of authenticity. By choosing to prioritize core values, one can resist the pressures of societal change that often compel individuals to conform to fleeting fashions. Ultimately, Pérez-Reverte suggests that true worth lies not in adapting to superficial fads, but in cultivating a steadfast identity grounded in lasting ideals.