At a certain age, you have to live near good medical care — if, that is, you're going to continue. You always have the option of not continuing, which, I fear, is sometimes nobler.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the choices we face regarding life and death, particularly as we age and require medical support.
Gore Vidal's quote speaks to the difficult decisions individuals encounter as they age and confront their mortality. By suggesting that living near good medical care is essential for those who wish to prolong their lives, he underscores the reality of aging. However, he also presents the notion that opting not to continue life can be a noble choice, alluding to the dignity in acceptance of one's fate rather than solely the pursuit of longevity.
In practice
During a discussion on aging, one might quote Vidal to emphasize the importance of medical care.
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The revival in religion will be a rhetorical problem - new persuasive words for defaced or degraded ones.
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