At the Scott Silvan show, he talked about memory - how we create a truth that we can live with. I found his show fascinating as he kept leading us to his childhood memory that we realise at the end of the show is very different to what we first see.
This article points out that memory isn't a recording device, but a reconstruction.
I've had two recent examples of this, which have made me question my memories. Neither important moments or tainted with complex emotion.
One was at the 1996 Melbourne grand prix. Martin Brundle had a massive crash (an airborne barrel roll) yet managed to run back to the spare car in time and restart the race. We were all cheering and yelling as he ran past, watching the clock and hoping he'd make it to the pits in time. I'd been telling this story for years as it was such an exciting and elating moment. I looked up the footage and discovered he'd not run past our stand. He'd been driven in the safety car to the pitlane and run back from there to the garage. So my memory of him running past us, I realise, we watched on the screen. We all stood and yelled and cheered him on, but on the screen.
I was so surprised when I saw the footage. I still see 'how I remember it' but I know it's wrong.
The other more recent example is about a shared memory where 5 of us remembered it differently. Our Champagne club has been on many lunches and dinners out. After one, we went to a bar in Darling Square where we talked about the robots we could see in XOPP. Fast forward five or so years and we finally went to dinner at XOPP because of the robots. We were discussing the day we were at the bar, and all of us remembered it being after lunch at a different restaurant (except me who wondered why were were even there - I knew it had to be after a lunch but couldn't think of any in the area that made logical sense). One person was right. Most of us didn't even remember going to that restaurant with the group. Some were adamant their incorrect memory was correct. I was astounded that the five of us were at the same event and all five of us remembered in completely differently (all good, happy memories, just the facts were muddled).
Have you discovered some of your memories weren't as they seemed?
The beautiful reflection pictures are from the new exhibition at White Rabbit. It's free and worth checking out. You can also grab dumplings at the tea house for lunch.
“Remembrance of things past is not necessarily the remembrance of things as they were.” ― Marcel Proust

That's why "eye witnesses" in crime are not necessarily reliable, even less the longer ago the incident happened.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, My memory is not the best. I think I have a lot of holes. I have heard you can create false memories. Great quotes! Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. And what we consider history is just stories.
ReplyDeleteI think this is why so many people/families have disagreements. Everyone remembers it differently.
ReplyDeleteYes! Sometimes we create our own memories.
ReplyDelete"we create a truth that we can live with" I would agree with that, some things are hard to remember and others are easy.
ReplyDeleteI have enhanced visual memory...names, places, events are lost unless I visually remember them. Upside is...it is what happened...at least I thought it was...lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, great examples and yes it's so true how are memories are not always right! I remember when Mum was still here that I would recollect something from my childhood with vivid memories and details and she would tell me that that wasn't how it happened or something I said wasn't so or right. I still remain adamant that my recollections are true ... but actually ... maybe they're not. It's interesting isn't it? Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy ! xo
ReplyDeleteApparently you are on the right track..we all have different memories of the same event which is why police investigations and witness statements can vary I am told. I like to think I have a great memory and I do for dates of special occasions, weather and more.. Birth/days/nights of our 8 grandchildren are very special memories of mine. I tend to think some of my memories are based on photos.
ReplyDeleteI believe a lot of our memories are based on photos. I read about it once but of course can't remember the information. HA!
DeleteYes I can see this fluidity of memories being a thing Lydia. I've read elsewhere that each time we visit a memory we are overriding our initial thoughts. Loved your examples too!
ReplyDeleteDeb for #Teamwwwhimsy
Intriguing post! While I am not aware of any inaccurate memories, I know we all have them. Several years ago, I read a book titled Witness for the Defense or something along those lines. The book was about the inaccuracies of witness testimony. It’s truly amazing just how wrong memory can be - especially in frightening situations. There was a case where a woman was raped and she was able to point out her attacker in a line up. He spent time in prison until a DNA test cleared him. She insisted it was this man in spite of the evidence.
ReplyDeleteI believe that we see things the way we are - not as they actually are. Photos do help, but aren't memories tricky things?!
ReplyDeleteThe memory is a strange thing but it's also beautiful much like your first picture you shared in this post. Thank you for sharing and for taking part in #MySundaySnapshot.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting..My sister and I talk a lot about childhood memories and how they differ between us....Michelle
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