Memory

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Human memory (from Greekμνήμη mnémē "memory, recollection") consists of the ability to recall what was experienced in the past, albeit usually only in a distorted form. A disturbance of the ability to remember is called amnesia.

From an anthroposophical point of view, the soul creates the basis for the formation of memory: "As the preserver of the past, the soul continually gathers treasures for the spirit." (Lit.:GA 9, p. 66) Beyond this, however, memory is also very essentially connected with the living activity of the etheric body and very specifically with the organic activity of the physical body. Seen in this light, the human memory is more than the mere encoding, storage and retrieval of information, which is also possible by technical means. Without the conscious ability to remember, through which he can at least in broad strokes willfully survey his biography at any time, man could not form and maintain a healthy I-consciousness. This also distinguishes him from the animals. Rudolf Steiner has given very detailed descriptions of the process and significance of human memory formation.

Literature

References to the work of Rudolf Steiner follow Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works (CW or GA), Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach/Switzerland, unless otherwise stated.
Email: verlag@steinerverlag.com URL: www.steinerverlag.com.
Index to the Complete Works of Rudolf Steiner - Aelzina Books
A complete list by Volume Number and a full list of known English translations you may also find at Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works
Rudolf Steiner Archive - The largest online collection of Rudolf Steiner's books, lectures and articles in English.
Rudolf Steiner Audio - Recorded and Read by Dale Brunsvold
steinerbooks.org - Anthroposophic Press Inc. (USA)
Rudolf Steiner Handbook - Christian Karl's proven standard work for orientation in Rudolf Steiner's Collected Works for free download as PDF.