"It is sadder to find the past again and find it inadequate to the present than it is to have it elude you and remain forever a harmonious conception of memory"

This quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald speaks to the concept that it is more agonizing to be challenged with the past and find it doing not have than it is to never have the opportunity to experience it. Fitzgerald recommends that the past can be a lovely, unified conception in our memories, however when we are confronted with the reality of it, it can be frustrating. This can be particularly real when the past is compared to today, and it is found to be inadequate. It is an unfortunate awareness that the past may not have actually been as perfect as we remember it, and that it may not be able to meet the expectations of the present.