Books Quote by Paul Auster
“It's an ethical pact I've made with myself and with the reader - not to invent. And when I can't remember, I say I can't remember. I'm just appalled by the memoirs published by people who regurgitate dialogue, conversations from when they were small children, and they go on for three or four pages. I can't even remember what we said to each other ten minutes ago! How can I remember what was said sixty years ago? It's not possible.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 2015
The author stresses honesty, refusing to fabricate memories and acknowledging the limits of recollection.
In simple terms: Be truthful, admit when you don’t remember.
Key Takeaway
Accept memory limits, avoid false details.
Themes
honesty
memory
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- creative nonfiction
- personal essays
Key Concepts
ethical writing
self‑discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what to omit when memory fails?
- What strategies help preserve factual integrity?
A Different Perspective
Recognizing memory’s fallibility can undermine credibility.
