Quote by Christopher Hitchens

Part of the function of memory is to forget; the omni-retentive mind will break down and produce at best an idiot savant who can recite a telephone book, and at worst a person to whom every grudge and slight is as yesterday's.

Part of the function of memory is to forget; the omni-retent

Summary

This quote suggests that a key aspect of memory is actually the ability to forget. It argues that having a mind that remembers everything would be detrimental, as it could lead to an individual who is overly obsessed with small details or consumed by grudges. The quote implies that a healthy memory should be selective in what it retains, allowing us to prioritize what is important and move forward rather than dwelling on past grievances.

Topics

Memory Forgiveness Forgetting Grudges Savant Syndrome

By Christopher Hitchens

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