The quote from Gore Vidal's book "Julian" reflects on the nature of history and how it is perceived. It suggests that historical events tend to become mere rumors as time passes, as the true essence of what happened is often obscured by interpretation and storytelling. This idea implies that history is not just a record of the past but can often be a subjective narrative influenced by those recounting it.

Furthermore, Vidal's words highlight the fleeting nature of truth in the context of historical events. Once an event occurs, its immediate reality dissipates, and what remains may be distorted by perspectives and biases. This raises questions about the reliability of historical accounts and the importance of critical examination of how we understand and narrate our past.