5 Sentences

1.The body is the primary mode of perceiving scale.

From the beginning of our existence, people have measured their environment. What better way to measure than with something that's with you at all times, something everyone can at least relate to? The body has been used over and over as a measurement tool. Where does the unit of feet come from? It's no surprise it's an actual foot!

2.The capacity of objects to serve as traces of authentic experience.

When one looks at the cool things that someone else has, they make inferences; inferences about where they've been, what they've been through, who they've met, etc. These observable objects to us prove that this person has had an experience related to these objects. For example, if one was to look at the image posted above, it would be inferred that these two people have been to Asia. The answer as to why is simple, their dress. Their attire tells a story. Because they have on these traditional Japanese Komonos, this couple appears to have been to Japan; therefore, their clothes serve as traces of their authentic experience.

3.The souvenir reduces the public, the monumental, and the three dimensional into the miniature that which can be developed by the body.

Souvenirs are objects that one takes with them to latch all of their memories onto from a destination or an event. It's easy to see why one can't take the actual event or place with them. For heaven's sake, they are simply just too large! That's why these little mementos were created. The souvenir is a handheld version that's easily transported and accessible. What the sentence above says is exactly what it means. No hidden message here!

4.Nostolgia cannot be sustained without loss.

Nostalgia itself, is a reflection on times passed. At a specific moment in time, one doesn't typically think about it and reminisce. They live the moment! The moments that are gone are what people look back to. The moments that are "lost." They can't be brought back. This feeling of nostalgia is only contrived when the moment is gone, the music has faded, and the fat lady is done singing.

5.To have a souvenir of the exotic is to possess both a specimen and a trophy.

Trophies, or rewards for specific achievements and specimens, or examples of species can be one in the same. Take an exotic animal made into a wall mount. The fact that this is completely disgusting is another matter in itself, but take it for example. This animal shows that someone went all the way to another land and got the chance to shoot this creature. They had the money to bring it all the way back home, get it stuffed, and mount it up on their wall. It's a trophy showing that they made this "awesome" achievement. Not only is this animal a trophy to this person, but it's also a specimen. It is a single example of a species.