We will say, then, that I am mad. I grant, at least, that…
““We will say, then, that I am mad. I grant, at least, that there are two distinct conditions of my mental existence-the condition of a lucid reason, not to be disputed, and belonging to the memory of events forming the first epoch of my life-and a condition of shadow and doubt, appertaining to the present, and to the recollection of what constitutes the second great era of my being. Therefore, what I shall tell of the earlier period, believe; and to what I may relate of the later time, give only such credit as may seem due, or doubt it altogether, or, if doubt it ye cannot, then play unto its riddle the Oedipus.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author distinguishes between rational clarity of early life and the uncertain, doubtful state of later years, urging cautious trust in memory.
In simple terms: Early clarity vs. later doubt.
Key Takeaway
Weigh past certainty against present uncertainty.
Themes
memory
identity
truth
uncertainty
self‑reflection
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal memoir
- psychological analysis
- literary criticism
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
philosophical introspection
subjective reality
historical narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- Which memories do you trust?
- How does doubt shape identity?
A Different Perspective
Memory can be unreliable; self‑perception changes over time.