Every man who has lived for fifty years has buried a whole world or even two; he has grown used to its disappearance and accustomed to the new scenery of another act: but suddenly the names and faces of a time long dead appear more and more often on his way, calling up series of shades and pictures kept somewhere, just in case, in the endless catacombs of the memory, making him smile or sigh, and sometimes almost weep.

Summary

This quote highlights the bittersweet nature of growing older and the inevitable experience of loss and change. By the time a person reaches the age of fifty, they have often witnessed significant shifts in their personal lives and the world around them. While they have adapted and become familiar with new chapters of life, memories of the past start resurfacing with increasing frequency. These memories evoke a range of emotions, from joy and nostalgia to sadness and longing. They serve as a reminder of the people, moments, and places that have become a cherished part of one's history, now stored deep in the recesses of their memory.

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