[The Saucepan Man]

Well, I suppose one could say that the fact that Elves could count the passing years, but do not feel the need to do so, does not change their essential nature. Their lack of need in this regard still sets them apart from the other races. That they could record the passing years if they chose to do so still indicates that they have a wholly different outlook on existence and does not necessarily imply that they could alter this outlook. So, while they can alter their mindset to enable them to record the passing years in the manner of other races, they cannot alter it sufficiently to prevent the sense of grief and "alienation" (for want of a better word) that this causes them. Indeed, perhaps doing so only enhances those feelings.