A man's memory is bound to be a distortion of his past in accordance with his present interests, and the most faithful autobiography is likely to mirror less what a man was than what he has become.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human memory reshapes the past to suit current self perception.
- In plain terms
- We remember things to match who we are now.
- What can you take from it?
- Treat autobiographies with skepticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you trust your own past?
- How does identity shape memory?
Another view
Some memories remain accurate regardless of interest.
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