A couple of quotes (from memory) about the human face of memory. Firstly Clive James (author of, amongst much else, Unreliable Memoirs):
“Those who remember their past are also condemned to repeat it.” I think the reference was to the Holocaust; but it strikes me as a truthful observation. If only remembering past stupidity was enough to prevent future foolishness.
Secondly, Sir John Gielgud (I think):
“I’m sure it’s very wrong to live in the past, but you meet a nicer class of person there.” An elegant variation on “They aint makin nostalgia like they used to”; and also linking to L.P Hartley’s “another country.”

As the full time care of a parent with dementia, I’ve become aware of how totally memory and self are merged; there is no one without the other. Whatever else, we are our memories.

Best wishes - Richard

Richard - thanks so much.

“unreliable memoirs” is one of my favourite books - I can remember being paralyzed with laughter about one of the stories he tells, a “convoy” of billy-carts racing down a hill in a linked line, and then the havoc that ensued when they tried to turn a corner

Just wanted to say I enjoyed that first quote by Friederich Nietzsche. I’m not much of a debater and quite often I can only remember half of the reasons I am/do certain things.

Thanks for all of your newsletters Michael!

Natalie

A pleasure - thanks for the kind words