"The past itself, as historical change continues to accelerate, has become the most surreal of subjects - making it possible... to see a new beauty in what is vanishing"

Susan Sontag's quote explores the developing relationship between past and present in a world where historical change is rapidly speeding up. By stating that "the past itself ... has become the most surreal of subjects", Sontag recommends that our perception of history is becoming significantly dreamlike and eliminated from current realities. The acceleration of modification produces a sense of disorientation, as the past feels both remote and, paradoxically, more brilliant due to the plain contrast with the present.

Sontag's use of the term "surreal" implies that the past now has qualities akin to surrealistic art-- unusual, fantastical, and mentally expressive. This transformation enables us to dissociate from conventional, maybe nostalgic, views of history. Instead, we start to perceive it with new eyes, appreciating its strangeness and beauty. The expression "making it possible ... to see a brand-new charm in what is disappearing" further highlights this renewal in understanding. As components of the past vanish, they end up being topics of aesthetic reflection, much like art, valued for their individuality and impermanence.

The quote also highlights a paradox: the much faster we move away from the past, the more poignant and beautiful it becomes. This can conjure up both loss and liberation-- loss from what is disappearing and freedom in recognizing the transient charm these modifications reveal. By viewing the past through this lens, Sontag recommends we are able to enjoy its short lived beauty, discovering value in what is no longer present or practically forgotten.

In essence, Sontag invites us to embrace a dynamic view of history, where previous experiences are not just topics of fond memories but likewise of artistic and philosophical expedition. This technique encourages us to appreciate the past's contribution to our identity, even as it quickly recedes into the surreal backdrop of our ever-changing world.