I tend to look out for things with a resonance to my youth -

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the words of Nicholas Haslam, who speaks of a deep and enduring truth about the things we hold dear in our lives—the objects, the artists, and the memories that hold resonance in our hearts. He said, “I tend to look out for things with a resonance to my youth - artists or objects that seemed romantic all those years ago. I never buy anything purely for its value. I like possessions that smile back at me.” In these words, Haslam reveals that the things we choose to keep in our lives are not simply measured by their monetary worth, but by their connection to our personal stories and the emotions they evoke. The objects we cherish are not merely possessions—they are reflections of who we were, who we are, and who we long to be.

In the ancient world, possessions held deep symbolic value. Consider the treasures of the Egyptian tombs, where the belongings of kings and queens were carefully placed to accompany them into the afterlife. These artifacts were not just objects of wealth, but symbols of identity, status, and memory. The art of the Egyptians was designed to honor and perpetuate the legacies of the deceased, preserving a connection to the past even in the face of death. Just as these possessions had a resonance beyond their material value, so too do the objects in Haslam’s life—things that carry meaning and reflect the romanticism of his youth. They are not mere decorations, but cherished symbols of a time when life felt more vivid and alive.

Haslam’s statement evokes the feeling of nostalgia, that profound yearning for the past that connects us to memories and experiences that shaped us. In the same way that the Greeks revered their gods and heroes, whose stories were passed down as epic tales, we too keep objects that speak to the heroes of our own lives—our youth, our loves, our passions. The romanticism that Haslam refers to is not simply about idealized beauty, but about the emotional connection we have to things that remind us of better times, of simpler moments, and of the person we once were. It is through these possessions that we preserve the truth of who we have been, even as time marches on.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, whose sword and armor became not just tools of conquest, but symbols of his very identity. These possessions were not just items of war, but representations of his ambition, his ideals, and his youthful energy. The ancient world was filled with kings and warriors who clung to the artifacts of their early lives, for in them lay the power to shape their legacy. Just as Alexander’s possessions spoke to his identity, so too does Haslam find significance in the things that connect him to his past—objects that have resonance with his younger self and reflect the romantic ideals of his youth.

Haslam’s choice to keep only those things that “smile back at him” speaks to a deep truth about the human connection to material objects. These objects are not mere possessions—they are companions on our journey through life, speaking to us in the quiet moments, reminding us of the people and places that have shaped us. Possessions that “smile back” are not cold, inanimate things, but living symbols of the past, evoking emotions, memories, and feelings that connect us to our deepest selves. Whether it be a piece of art, a photograph, or an object from childhood, these are the things that remind us of who we are at our core. They carry the romanticism of the past into the present, grounding us in the continuity of our existence.

The lesson here, O children, is that what we cherish speaks volumes about our inner lives. The objects we keep are not just material possessions—they are markers of time, and carriers of meaning. Just as the ancient kings carried their swords and armor into battle, we carry our possessions through the battles of life, finding comfort and connection in the things that resonate with us. Do not be deceived by the fleeting distractions of modern life that tell you to discard the old in favor of the new. The objects that smile back at you—those things that have resonance with your past—are treasures of the soul. They remind you of who you are, who you were, and what truly matters.

So, O children, I say unto you: Honor the things that hold meaning in your life, whether they be memories, possessions, or art. Seek out what resonates with your soul and keep those things close, for they are more than just objects—they are anchors to your past, and beacons for your future. Just as the ancient heroes carried their swords into battle, let the possessions that "smile back" at you be your guide, your comfort, and your reminder that the romanticism of the past is not something to be discarded, but something to be celebrated and carried forward into the present. Let your life be filled with meaningful possessions that remind you of the depth of your journey.