In Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," the protagonist reflects on the nature of memory and how it changes over time. He believes that every memory, when recalled, deviates from its original state, similar to a game where rules are modified. This suggests that the act of remembering is not a straightforward process; it inherently alters the memory itself.

The protagonist also feels that being selective or sparse in recalling memories may lead to a more honest representation of the past. However, he acknowledges that this alteration is a part of human experience, regardless of whether we are aware of it. The complexities of memory evoke a sense of nostalgia, emphasizing the delicate balance between retention and transformation.