Memory

by William Lyon Phelps

Memory is like the wind--no one knows where it comes fom or where it goes to when it is away. A witty man once suggested that it must be situated in the back of the head, becuase whenever anyone struggled to remember a particular date or event, he usually scratched there. Memory as a storehouse of enriching thoughts, memory as an aid to success, memory as a cause of pain through misuse, self-conscious memory as a dinvine act of creation, are but a few fascinating phases of memory which Professor Phelps treats of in his enlivening little volume.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1929

About the author

Professor of English at Yale University, 1892-1933.

Reviews

[Bonnie]

I found this little book published in 1928 in my father's belongings after he died 10 years ago. I kept it but never read it. I was recently organizing some things, found it again and this time I read it. It's more of an essay, really, but such great insight and inspiration for a 15 minute read.

One of the highlights for me was that our living children don't pay mind to their parents as they should. Said children seem to know everything but someday realize after their parents are gone that maybe they could have gleaned something if they (WE), just took the time and made an effort to pay attention and listen and learn. Our parents can still teach us things long after they have departed this world, but wouldn't it be ideal if we chose to learn the bulk of it before they are gone?

Perhaps we all could have done better. What a shame to have lost something so important and useful before it was needed the most.

How do we teach a stubborn generation? I guess they have to learn it for themselves; just as I am doing now and those who follow my lineage.