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

By Kurt Vonnegut

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

Climate change is a global issue - from the point of view of

Climate change is a global issue - from the point of view of the Earth's climate, a molecule of CO2 emitted in Bejing is the same as a molecule emitted in Sydney.

It is really cool to have created a movie that has turned ou

It is really cool to have created a movie that has turned out to become the biggest movie of the year.

If alcohol is queen, then tobacco is her consort. It's a fon

If alcohol is queen, then tobacco is her consort. It's a fond companion for all occasions, a loyal friend through fair weather and foul. People smoke to celebrate a happy moment, or to hide a bitter regret. Whether you're alone or with friends, it's a joy for all the senses. What lovelier sight is there than that double row of white cigarettes, lined up like soldiers on parade and wrapped in silver paper? I love to touch the pack in my pocket, open it, savor the feel of the cigarette between my fingers, the paper on my lips, the taste of tobacco on my tongue. I love to watch the flame spurt up, love to watch it come closer and closer, filling me with its warmth.

Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friend

Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

When you hear a true story, there is a part of you that resp

When you hear a true story, there is a part of you that responds to it regardless of art, regardless of evidence. Let it be the most obvious fabrication and you will still believe whatever truth is in it, because you can not deny truth no matter how shabbily it is dressed.

Orson Scott Card

Truth Belief Stories

The constant dilemma of the information age is that our abil

The constant dilemma of the information age is that our ability to gathera sea of data greatly exceeds the tools and techniques available to sort,extract, and apply the information we've collected.

It is not enough to prove something, one has also to seduce

It is not enough to prove something, one has also to seduce or elevate people to it. That is why the man of knowledge should learn how to speak his wisdom: and often in such a way that it sounds like folly!

Friedrich Nietzsche

Wisdom Life People Man Sound

It's better to waste one's youth than to do nothing with it

It's better to waste one's youth than to do nothing with it at all.

Georges Courteline

I had in mind a message, although I hope it doesn't intrude

I had in mind a message, although I hope it doesn't intrude too badly, persuading Americans, and especially Southerners, of the critical importance of land and our vanishing natural environment and wildlife.

Changing our diet is something we choose to do, not somethin

Changing our diet is something we choose to do, not something we are forced to do. Instead of dreading it, try saying, Here's another thing I get to do to help myself. Great!

Diets And Dieting

Husbands are awkward things to deal with; even keeping them

Husbands are awkward things to deal with; even keeping them in hot water will not make them tender.

Most vegetarians I ever see looked enough like their food to

Most vegetarians I ever see looked enough like their food to be classed as cannibals.

Finley Peter Dunne