In Anne Fadiman's "At Large and at Small: Familiar Essays," she reflects on the evolution of personal attachments to objects over time. The sentiment emphasizes that while the significance of certain items, like shells, may diminish, their past importance still holds value for individuals. This acknowledgment showcases the nostalgia tied to memories associated with those objects, even as their meanings change.

Fadiman references Swann's observation from "Remembrance of Things Past," highlighting the intrinsic worth of having once cherished something. This idea resonates throughout the essay, suggesting that memories and past connections, regardless of their current relevance, contribute to our personal histories and identity.