“Some people, I am told, have memories like computers, nothing to do but punch the button and wait for the print-out. Mine is more like a Japanese library of the old style, without a card file or an indexing system or any systematic shelf plan. Nobody knows where anything is except the old geezer in felt slippers who has been shuffling up and down those stacks for sixty-nine years. When you hand him a problem he doesn't come back with a cartful and dump it before you, a jackpot of instant retrieval. He finds one thing, which reminds him of another, which leads him off to the annex, which directs him to the east wing, which sends him back two tiers from where he started. Bit by bit he finds you what you want, but like his boss who seems to be under pressure to examine his life, he takes his time.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Wallace Stegner, the speaker compares their memory to a Japanese library of the old style, highlighting its complex and unconventional nature. The analogy suggests that unlike a computer-like memory, which provides quick and efficient retrieval of information, the speaker's memory is more chaotic and unpredictable. The comparison emphasizes the unpredictable and meandering nature of memory, where connections between different memories are made in a non-linear and organic manner. The reference to the old geezer in felt slippers further reinforces the idea of memory as a personalized and idiosyncratic system, shaped by individual experiences and associations. Overall, the quote challenges the notion of memory as a straightforward and efficient tool by presenting it as a complex and labyrinthine structure that requires time and patience to navigate.
Modern Relevance
In today's digital age of instant information retrieval and quick answers at our fingertips, Wallace Stegner's analogy of memory as a traditional Japanese library resonates with the complexity and depth of human memory. While technology allows for fast and efficient access to information, the meandering and unpredictable nature of memory still plays a vital role in our ability to recall and make connections.
Example of Usage
The author Wallace Stegner used a vivid analogy to describe the complexity of his memory in his writing. He compared his memory to a Japanese library without a systematic organization, making it difficult for him to retrieve information quickly and efficiently.
Reflection Questions:
The passage describes the narrator's memory as more akin to an old Japanese library, with a disorganized and unpredictable retrieval system. Reflect on your own memory and how you process information. Consider the following questions:
How accurate do you think the analogy of a Japanese library is to your own memory? Can you relate to the narrator's description, or is your memory more like a computer?
In what ways does your memory impact your problem-solving abilities? Do you find yourself taking a meandering path to reach a solution, like the old geezer in the passage, or do you have a more direct approach?
Think about a recent situation where you needed to recall information or solve a problem. Did your memory function more like a computer or a Japanese library in that scenario? How did this affect the outcome?
Consider how the passage portrays the process of retrieving information from memory as slow and meandering. Do you find this to be true in your own experience, or do you have a more efficient method of recall?
Reflect on the idea that memories can be triggered by associations and connections, leading to a nonlinear retrieval process. How does this concept resonate with your own memory patterns and experiences?
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