The past is not just the past, but a prism through which the subject filters his own changing self-image.

荒，荒淫。乱，动乱。之，的。萌，根源、萌芽。 统治者的荒淫是国家动乱的根源。这是魏源的政治卓见。因为统治者一旦荒淫，就不会以国事为重了。如此，上下交怨，天下岂能不乱？因此，力戒荒淫，乃是当权者应当牢记的信念。

"Writing is a way to make sense of our relationships."

"Writing is a way to make sense of our fears."