Why don't things that get lost break down and vice versa in The plot against People?

In "The Plot Against People," things that get lost don’t break down because they exist in a state of potential, waiting to be rediscovered or redefined by their owners. Conversely, items that are frequently used tend to deteriorate as they are subjected to the wear and tear of daily life. This dynamic highlights the contrasting relationship between ownership and utility, suggesting that loss preserves the essence of an object while use leads to its degradation. Ultimately, it reflects the idea that value is often tied to perception rather than physical condition.