Quote by Kurt Vonnegut

As an old, old man, Trout would be asked by Dr. Thor Lembrig, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, if he feared the future. He would give this reply: 'Mr. Secretary-General, it is the past which scares the bejesus out of me.

As an old, old man, Trout would be asked by Dr. Thor Lembrig

Summary

In this quote, author Kurt Vonnegut portrays a conversation between Trout, an elderly man, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. When asked about his fears for the future, Trout surprisingly expresses apprehension towards the past instead. His response implies that the mistakes, suffering, and regrets of bygone periods hold greater power to unsettle him. This perspective reveals the lasting impact and haunting nature of historical events, emphasizing the human tendency to carry the weight of the past into the uncertain future.

Topics

Future Past

By Kurt Vonnegut

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