Memory is strange. Scientifically, it is not a mechanical means of repeating something. I can think a thousand times about when I broke my leg at the age of ten, but it is never the same thing which comes to mind when I think about it. My memory of this event has never been, in reality, anything except the memory of my last memory of that event. This is why I use the image of a palimpsest - something written over something partially erased - that is what memory is for me. It's not a film you play back in exactly the same way. It's like theater, with characters who appear from time to time.
Gore VidalA superficial education would be worse than none. But a full education would open every man's eyes to the nature of human existence.
Gore VidalHalf of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.
Gore Vidal