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Brain Quote by David Mazzucchelli

“To live (as I understand it) is to exist within a conception of time. But to remember is to vacate the very notion of time. Every memory, no matter how remote its subject, takes place 'Now,' at the moment it's called to the mind. The more something is recalled, the more the brain has a chance to…” quote by David Mazzucchelli
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“To live (as I understand it) is to exist within a conception of time. But to remember is to vacate the very notion of time. Every memory, no matter how remote its subject, takes place 'Now,' at the moment it's called to the mind. The more something is recalled, the more the brain has a chance to refine the original experience. Because every memory is a re-creation, not a playback.”

David Mazzucchelli

About This Quote

Source Graphic Novel: Asterios Polyp, 2009

Memory exists only in the present moment of recall, reshaping past experiences each time we remember.

In simple terms: Remembering puts past into present.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the present when recalling.

Themes

memory time perception identity creativity

Mood

reflective introspective thoughtful

Type

philosophical literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • Therapy
  • learning
  • storytelling
  • personal growth
  • mindfulness

Key Concepts

Neuroscience philosophy narrative subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recalling change what you remember?
  • Can we trust our memories?
A Different Perspective

Memory is unreliable; recollection can distort original facts.

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