Clear Quote by Thomas Carlyle
“Without oblivion, there is no remembrance possible. When both oblivion and memory are wise, when the general soul of man is clear, melodious, true, there may come a modern Iliad as memorial of the Past.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Sartor Resartus, 1833
Memory needs oblivion; together they enable true remembrance and artistic creation.
In simple terms: Forgetfulness allows memory to form meaningful works.
Key Takeaway
Embrace forgetting to strengthen remembrance.
Themes
memory
oblivion
creativity
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- history
- personal reflection
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
Philosophy of mind
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does forgetting play in your life?
- How does loss shape memory?
A Different Perspective
Too much oblivion erases valuable experiences.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
