The protagonist reflects on a sense of nostalgia for a past that seems lost, likening the current situation to mourning a paradise that no longer exists. He yearns for the days when criminals, like car thieves and safecrackers, adhered to a sort of code of conduct, presenting themselves with a semblance of honor even when apprehended. This evokes a longing for a world that appears more civilized and respectful than today's chaotic reality.

However, the character acknowledges that these memories may be idealized. The supposed gentility of past criminals could simply be a myth, as the true nature of those times might not have been as idyllic as he remembers. This reflection highlights a common tendency to romanticize the past while failing to recognize its complexities and flaws.