In Margaret Atwood's book "The Door," there is a poignant quote that reflects the passage of time and the impact of legacy. The phrase suggests that, in a decade, an individual's essence or memory may become trivialized, represented merely as something people can access casually, akin to a stamp. It evokes a sense of vulnerability and the inevitable changes that come with time, highlighting the transient nature of existence.

This imagery serves to remind readers of both the impermanence of life and the ways in which we are remembered. It prompts contemplation about how personal significance can diminish over time, potentially reduced to a mere object that people interact with momentarily. Overall, Atwood's work encourages introspection about identity and the complexities of human connection in the face of time's passage.