There is never finality in the display terminal's screen, but an irresponsible whimsicality, as words, sentences, and paragraphs are negated at the touch of a key. The significance of the past, as expressed in the manuscript by a deleted word or an inserted correction, is annulled in idle gusts of electronic massacre.

Summary

This quote highlights the impermanence and lack of accountability associated with writing on a display terminal. Unlike traditional manuscripts where corrections and amendments can reveal the significance of the past, electronic screens allow for easy deletion, negation, and destruction of words, sentences, and paragraphs. The quote suggests that this "irresponsible whimsicality" of digital writing leads to a disregard for the value and integrity of the past, as revisions and deletions can be made thoughtlessly, trivializing the impact of the written word.

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