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Single Idea 22983

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 4. Memory]

Full Idea

If we had to experience sorrow or fear every time that we mentioned these emotions, no one would be willing to speak of them.

Gist of Idea

We would avoid remembering sorrow or fear if that triggered the emotions afresh

Source

Augustine (Confessions [c.398], X.14)

A Reaction

Remembering the death of a loved one can trigger fresh grief, but remembering their dangerous illness from which they recovered no longer contains the feeling of fear.

Book Reference

Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.221