Tell the truth through whichever veil comes to hand – but tell it. Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never ­being satisfied.

The planet is finished with us, at this point -

My children know the truth about me but still tolerate me, so far.

Bitter struggles deform their participants in subtle, complicated ways. The idea that one should speak one's cultural allegiance first and the truth second (and that this is a sign of authenticity) is precisely such a deformation.

In the end, your past is not my past and your truth is not my truth and your solution - is not my solution.