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Single Idea 22977
[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 4. Memory
]
Full Idea
I can distinguish the scent of lilies from that of violets, even though there is no scent at all in my nostrils.
Gist of Idea
I can distinguish different smells even when I am not experiencing them
Source
Augustine (Confessions [c.398], X.08)
Book Ref
Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.214
A Reaction
Augustine has a nice introspective account of how we experience memory, and identifies lots of puzzling features. I know I can identify the smell of vinegar, but I can't bring it to mind, the way I can the appearance of roses.
The
22 ideas
from 'Confessions'
22888
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To be aware of time it can only exist in the mind, as memory or anticipation
[Augustine, by Bardon]
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22887
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If God existed before creation, why would a perfect being desire to change things?
[Augustine, by Bardon]
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22978
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Memory is so vast that I cannot recognise it as part of my mind
[Augustine]
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22976
|
Memories are preserved separately, according to category
[Augustine]
|
22977
|
I can distinguish different smells even when I am not experiencing them
[Augustine]
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22979
|
Three main questions seem to be whether a thing is, what it is, and what sort it is
[Augustine]
|
22980
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Memory contains innumerable principles of maths, as well as past sense experiences
[Augustine]
|
22982
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Why does joy in my mind make me happy, but joy in my memory doesn't?
[Augustine]
|
22981
|
Mind and memory are the same, as shown in 'bear it in mind' or 'it slipped from mind'
[Augustine]
|
22983
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We would avoid remembering sorrow or fear if that triggered the emotions afresh
[Augustine]
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22984
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Without memory I could not even speak of myself
[Augustine]
|
22985
|
Everyone wants happiness
[Augustine]
|
5976
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If God is outside time in eternity, can He hear prayers?
[Augustine]
|
5977
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Heaven and earth must be created, because they are subject to change
[Augustine]
|
5979
|
If the past is no longer, and the future is not yet, how can they exist?
[Augustine]
|
5978
|
I know what time is, until someone asks me to explain it
[Augustine]
|
5981
|
The whole of the current year is not present, so how can it exist?
[Augustine]
|
5980
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How can ten days ahead be a short time, if it doesn't exist?
[Augustine]
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5982
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If the future does not exist, how can prophets see it?
[Augustine]
|
5983
|
I disagree with the idea that time is nothing but cosmic movement
[Augustine]
|
5984
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Maybe time is an extension of the mind
[Augustine]
|
16588
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I prefer a lack of form to mean non-existence, than to think of some quasi-existence
[Augustine]
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