Mnemotechnics

On the idea of remembering, instead of forgetting, Nietzsche writes, "If something is to stay in the memory it must be burned in: only that which never ceases to hurt stays in the memory" (61). After reading this, I begin to ponder upon my childhood memories. I asked myself what did I remember most? Let's see, besides my family, I recollect falling off my bike and getting stitches on my knee, and falling down on a case of cement steps and busting my forehead wide open. My most vivid memories were most definitely the ones where intense physical pain was involved. My memory is further intensified when I try to recollect solely memories of physical pain. I remember intense hits on special teams during football seasons, and getting hit in the fact while playing in the outfield in a game of baseball. After doing these painful things, making these harmful mistakes, I thought twice before doing these things again. As Nietzsche states,"With the aid of such images and procedures one finally remembers five or six will-nots". (62)