Like an old illness, his anger had taken him by surprise. Ever since
his retirement, he had been denying its existence, steering clear of
anything that could touch it off: newspapers, former colleagues,
gossip... After a lifetime of living by his wits and his considerable
memory, he had given himself full time to the profession of
forgetting.,,, "Burn the lot," Ann had suggested helpfully, referring
to his books. "Set fire to the house. But don't rot." If by rot, she
meant conform, she was right to read that as his aim.
-- John le Carré. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (novel, 1974). chapter 10.