"If I speak of Vienna it must be in the past tense, as a man speaks of a woman he has loved and who is dead"

This quote by Erich von Stroheim speaks to the concept of nostalgia and the power of memories. It recommends that Vienna, like a woman he has enjoyed, is something that can only be mentioned in the past tense. This suggests that Vienna is no longer a part of his life, and that he can only look back on it with fondness and longing. The quote also speaks with the concept of death, as it recommends that Vienna, like a woman he has enjoyed, is now gone and can only be kept in mind. This quote is a reminder that life is fleeting which we must treasure the minutes we have with the people and places we like. It is a tip to value the beauty of life and to take the time to savor the moments we have with those we appreciate.