Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Our memories change the way in which we see the world
The idea that our memories change the way on which we see the world and ultimately change reality is a difficult one to understand. An answer to this question depends on the way we define reality. If we define reality as objective- then it can not be altered by memories. However if we define reality as subjective, then, yes, our memories can affect our reality. But what do we mean by memories? What do we mean by relationship? What follows is an attempt to answer some of these questions, and see whether and how our memories affect our reality.
Before considering whether or not memories affect our reality, it may be useful to offer a definition of the term ‘reality’. If we are to meaningfully argue about whether it can be affected we need to consider what it is. Some see reality as set. They suggest there is a single reality which is ‘out there’, outside of us, and which exists in it singular self. Others argue that reality subjective and varies from person to person. Every attempt to describe or define a single real word must be corrupted by the proclivities of the person attempting the definition. If this is the case, then it is possible that reality can be affected by our memories. We see this in a very physical sense in Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Yet we also see it in much more subtle ways all around us. For the purpose of considering this relationship, let’s suggest reality is subjective, and that the affects of memories such as those described below are, in fact possible.
So, what memories affect our reality? Consider childhood, school and work and the memories one has and the affect they have on their life after. For example, let’s think about childhood. A child attending primary school may have seen a boy bullying a girl, thinking this was wrong they interfered; the teacher rewarded the child for the good behaviour. From then on the person saw
The idea that our memories change the way on which we see the world and ultimately change reality is a difficult one to understand. An answer to this question depends on the way we define reality. If we define reality as objective- then it can not be altered by memories. However if we define reality as subjective, then, yes, our memories can affect our reality. But what do we mean by memories? What do we mean by relationship? What follows is an attempt to answer some of these questions, and see whether and how our memories affect our reality.
Before considering whether or not memories affect our reality, it may be useful to offer a definition of the term ‘reality’. If we are to meaningfully argue about whether it can be affected we need to consider what it is. Some see reality as set. They suggest there is a single reality which is ‘out there’, outside of us, and which exists in it singular self. Others argue that reality subjective and varies from person to person. Every attempt to describe or define a single real word must be corrupted by the proclivities of the person attempting the definition. If this is the case, then it is possible that reality can be affected by our memories. We see this in a very physical sense in Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman’s film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Yet we also see it in much more subtle ways all around us. For the purpose of considering this relationship, let’s suggest reality is subjective, and that the affects of memories such as those described below are, in fact possible.
So, what memories affect our reality? Consider childhood, school and work and the memories one has and the affect they have on their life after. For example, let’s think about childhood. A child attending primary school may have seen a boy bullying a girl, thinking this was wrong they interfered; the teacher rewarded the child for the good behaviour. From then on the person saw