When we looked at the life cycle in our 40s, we looked to old people for wisdom. At 80, though, we look at other 80-year-olds to see who got wise and who not. Lots of old people don't get wise, but you don't get wise unless you age.
Nobody likes to be found out, not even one who has made ruthless confession a part of his profession. Any autobiographer, therefore, at least between the lines, spars with his reader and potential judge.
He who is ashamed would like to force the world not to look at him, not to notice his exposure. He would like to destroy the eyes of the world.
We cannot leave history entirely to nonclinical observers and to professional historians.
