Human memory is a marvelous but fallacious instrument. The memories which lie within us are not carved in stone; not only do they tend to become erased as the years go by, but often they change, or even increase by incorporating extraneous features.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the paradoxical nature of human memory. While memory is regarded as a magnificent tool, it is also flawed and malleable. Memories are not fixed and can fade over time, but they can also undergo modifications, either by changing themselves or by merging with unrelated details. The quote implies that our recollections are not always accurate or reliable, warning against blindly trusting our memories without considering the potential for distortion or embellishment.

Topics