"Capacity of objects to serve as traces of authentic experience."
As humans, it's in our nature to associate feelings, emotions, and even memories with the physical objects we choose to surround ourselves with. The measure of thoughts we affiliate with these objects is up to our own discretion. Some objects may remind us of something, while others may simply just bring us joy. As I read this quote, I immediately thought of St. George Street. The shops of St. George Street, full of shoddy souvenirs in every variety, are able to stay in business because of a souvenir's capacity to remind us of authentic experiences. Tourists hope to remember their time in Saint Augustine by purchasing something that will remind them of their experiences.
"Nostalgia cannot be sustained without loss."
In order to evoke a feeling of nostalgia, we must long for something from our past. The word sustain directly means "to bear the weight of, as a structure; to endure without giving way or yielding." The deeper the loss, the longer this wistful feeling for the past will extend. This quote immediately made me think of losing my father, and how the desire for him to return to this earth has yet to dissolve. I think unlike most people, I enjoy that feeling of nostalgia. I can return to moments I've spent with him through my thoughts and replay them over in my mind infinitely. It's a positive emotion for me, so I enjoy surrounding myself with items that will trigger such feelings.
“To have a souvenir of the exotic is to posses both a specimen and a trophy.”
In this instance, I think the author meant specimen as in a piece of something much greater, while a trophy would be a token or memento of something. To have a souvenir of the exotic would be to possess something that is unusual to ones nature. Thus, I think the author is expressing the idea that by possessing a memento that is unique, we are holding on to and cherishing a part of a certain memory or feeling, while also celebrating it.