Profound Memory Quote

“ Memory presents to us not what we choose but what it pleases.”

— Michel de Montaigne 

This quote elegantly states why we shouldn't live in the past.  Our minds don't objectively remember the past. Instead, since we are our harshest critics, our memories highlight our perceived shortcomings and downplay our achievements.

If we had a bad experience learning the piano at 7, our mind now tells our 38 year old self that we are no good at music.

This is another reason to live in the present.  You have to consciously tell yourself that you are not who you were even two years ago.  We can change and improve.