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Memory depends mainly upon myth. Some even occurs in our minds, in actuality or in fantasy; we form it in memory, molding it like clay day after day - and soon we have made out of that event a myth. We then keep the myth in memory as a guide to future similar situations.
Rollo May
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Memory is shaped by myths, both real and imagined, influencing our future perceptions and decisions.

This quote from Rollo May suggests that our memories are not static recordings of past events; instead, they are dynamic constructs that we shape over time. Both actual experiences and our fantasies play a role in how we recall the past, allowing us to create myths that serve as guides for how we approach similar situations in the future. This reflects the idea that memory is as much an act of creation as it is a recollection, underscoring the influence of narrative and myth on our understanding of reality.

Themes

MemoryMythPerceptionPastFuture

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a psychology seminar discussing the nature of memory.

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