Since I believe that I have been a devil for many centuries and have risen in rank and been demoted, it could be asked why, with such a history, I still learned a good deal while in Russia. It is because a newly gained sophistication fades once a venture comes to an end. So we develop many new qualities of mind, but soon lose them.
In "The Castle in the Forest," Norman Mailer reflects on a character's long, tumultuous history, suggesting that even those who have experienced the depths of existence can gain wisdom. Despite being perceived as a devil for centuries, the character emphasizes the transience of personal growth. This highlights the irony of learning and evolving while still being bound to a darker past.
Mailer points out that when a journey concludes, the insights and sophistication acquired during that time can quickly dissipate. This suggests that though we may cultivate new cognitive abilities, they can be fleeting, reminding us of the challenges of sustaining growth in the face of life's cyclical nature.
