memorable read // hannah schofield
howdy fellas,
Let's talk about Augustine's perception of memory in Book X Chapter 13-15, shall we?
"Memory's huge cavern, with its mysterious, secret, and indescribable nooks and crannies, receives all these perceptions, to be recalled when needed and reconsidered. "
Augustine does something extraordinary here while he uses his words to masterfully paint a picture of memory as this mystical, physical place in our heads. He takes it to the next level by iterating that all memories enter via various routes– mostly through sensory processing.
I don't know about the rest of you but I immediately thought of Inside Out. The huge portion with all the tiny memory orbs? I really hope someone relates or this is going to sound crazy.
Of all my years, I have never even considered thinking about anything to do with memory besides acknowledging that my own memory is trash. For real, I can never remember anything. Also, when I think of memory I think of just my memories as a whole, but Augustine gave it an interesting spin by labeling it as a cavern, as a physical place.
He continues to elaborate on memories by saying, "On demand, if I wish, they can be immediately present. With my tongue silent and my throat making no sound, I can sing what I wish."
How beautifully he explains the power of recollection. He even says, "This power of memory is great, very great, my God."
The power of the mind is extravagant. I mean, where would we be if we couldn't remember our mom's hugs or the taste of our favorite meal? How would we fall in love if we couldn't fathom the sound of our partner's laughter or remember the feel of their fingers intertwining with our own? Yeah, Augustine really hit home with this portion of his confessions.
Commented on: Katie's & Osten's
Let's talk about Augustine's perception of memory in Book X Chapter 13-15, shall we?
"Memory's huge cavern, with its mysterious, secret, and indescribable nooks and crannies, receives all these perceptions, to be recalled when needed and reconsidered. "
Augustine does something extraordinary here while he uses his words to masterfully paint a picture of memory as this mystical, physical place in our heads. He takes it to the next level by iterating that all memories enter via various routes– mostly through sensory processing.
I don't know about the rest of you but I immediately thought of Inside Out. The huge portion with all the tiny memory orbs? I really hope someone relates or this is going to sound crazy.
Of all my years, I have never even considered thinking about anything to do with memory besides acknowledging that my own memory is trash. For real, I can never remember anything. Also, when I think of memory I think of just my memories as a whole, but Augustine gave it an interesting spin by labeling it as a cavern, as a physical place.
He continues to elaborate on memories by saying, "On demand, if I wish, they can be immediately present. With my tongue silent and my throat making no sound, I can sing what I wish."
How beautifully he explains the power of recollection. He even says, "This power of memory is great, very great, my God."
The power of the mind is extravagant. I mean, where would we be if we couldn't remember our mom's hugs or the taste of our favorite meal? How would we fall in love if we couldn't fathom the sound of our partner's laughter or remember the feel of their fingers intertwining with our own? Yeah, Augustine really hit home with this portion of his confessions.
Commented on: Katie's & Osten's
Don't worry girl, I can relate to the Inside Out reference lol. But I totally agree with both you and Augustine saying that memories are powerful things. I know for a fact that when I'm feeling a little under the weather I tend to go back to a happy memory. In my English 222 class, we are currently reading Wordsworth, and I believe that he is all about going to his "happy place." Augustine's references to memories just reminded me of Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey and a few of his sonnets. This should tell you just how effective and powerful a memory is.
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