Old wounds Quote by Alexander Solschenizyn
““Why keep talking about all that? An that is what they usually say today, those who did not themselves suffer, who were themselves the executioners, or who have washed their hands of it, or who put on an innocent expression: Why remember all that? Why rake over old wounds? (Their wounds!!) Lev Tolstoi had an answer for that - to Birukov: "What do you mean, why remember? If I have had a terrible illness, and I have succeeded in recovering from it and been cleansed of it, I will always remember gladly. The only time I will refuse to remember is when I am still ill and have got worse, and when I wish to deceive myself. If we remember the old and look it straight in the face, then our new and present violent will also disclose itself.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, 1962
Remembering past suffering is valuable when healed, but recalling it while still hurting can be self‑deception.
In simple terms: Recall past pain after recovery, not during ongoing illness.
Key Takeaway
Remember healed wounds, avoid self‑deception.
Themes
memory
healing
truth
history
reflection
Mood
thoughtful
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- historical research
- personal journaling
- teaching ethics
Key Concepts
Philosophy of memory
psychology of trauma
ethical remembrance
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it healthy to revisit trauma?
- How does memory shape future actions?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on past pain can hinder present recovery.
