Single Idea 20250

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

Full Idea

It has yet to be proven that there is such a thing as forgetting; all we know is that the act of remembering is not within our power.

Gist of Idea

We may be unable to remember, but we may never actually forget

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Dawn (Daybreak) [1881], 126)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Dawn (Daybreak) (v 5)', ed/tr. Smith, Brittain [Stanford 2011], p.93


A Reaction

There is some evidence for this. We forget innumerable people, but then find that we recognise them if we meet them many years later. Anecdotes report very ancient memories suddenly surfacing.