In Denis Johnson's book "The Largesse of the Sea Maiden," there is a poignant reflection on the nature of life and memory. The quote highlights a realization about aging, where the speaker acknowledges that they have accumulated more memories from the past than they can anticipate experiencing in the future. This recognition brings a sense of melancholy, as the weight of memories can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The speaker also points to the fleeting nature of memory, suggesting that much of the past tends to fade away over time. This brings forth an ambivalence towards memories, as the idea of forgetting some of them does not evoke distress. Instead, it implies a desire to lighten the emotional load they carry, indicating a complex relationship with both memory and the passage of time.