We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
My memories pale as I prevail upon them again and again. They become more and more ghostly. I fear nothing so much as losing them altogether and having only my blank endless mind to live in.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Memories are cherished but can fade over time, and losing them equates to a loss of identity.
In this quote, E. L. Doctorow reflects on the nature of memories and how their essence can diminish when recalled repeatedly, leading to a ghostly presence in one's mind. The fear of losing these memories underscores their importance to identity and the human experience, suggesting that without them, one might feel adrift in an empty existence.
Themes
MemoriesIdentityFearLossExistence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a presentation on the importance of memories in shaping our identities.
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes →One of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
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In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
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Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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