The quote by Thomas Pynchon suggests that individuals selectively consume news based on their preferences and beliefs. This selective reading allows them to construct their own version of history, piecing together information to create a narrative that aligns with their views. Instead of engaging with a unified historical account, people rely on fragments that resonate with them.

This phenomenon highlights the subjective nature of information consumption in today's society. As each person builds their own "rathouse" of history, it raises concerns about the objectivity of public discourse and the challenges of achieving a shared understanding of events. In an age of tailored news, the potential for misinformation and fragmentation grows, complicating how we grasp collective realities.