FORGETTING – Robert Lynd

Introduction:

In this essay Forgetting, Robert Lynd take a humourous look at the nature and effect of forgetfulness. We are all forgetful at times. We would like to find ways of improving our memories.

Fundamental reason for forgetfulness:

  1. Many memories. people forget things because of absent-mindedness.
  2. It is because of inefficiency of human memory.
  3.  Our memory power works less than its usual perfection.
  4.  We wish to forget certain things.
  5. We have strong dislike (antipathy) on some matters.
  6. Due to unwillingness we forget.
  7.  lack of interest on others.
  8.  Sometimes we Live in dreamland.
  9.  Our mind is filled with matter more glorious.
  10.  As we have no time to remember we forget.
  11.  It is because of extraordinary bad memory power.
  12. It is because of bad behaviour.

Modern man remembers:

  1. Telephone numbers
  2. Address of his friends.
  3. Dates of good vintages. [wine of high quality produced in particular year]
  4. Appointments for lunch and dinner.
  5. Names of actor, actress, cricketers, footballers and murderers.
  6. Weather in the long past August.
  7. Name of the provincial hotel in which they had a vile (bad) meal.
  8. Remember what they are expected to remember.
  9. Remembers to dress properly
  10. Everyone remembers to do the right things at the right moment.

Who has more memory power?

Modern man moral giants, great writers and great composers of music have more memory power.

Effect of forgetfulness:

As a rule, medicine is supposed to be taken before, during or after meals. The meal itself should be a reminder. So taking medicines should be one of the easiest actions to remember.  When the people forget to take medicines prescribed for them due to forgetfulness, the recovery of the patient is delayed. So the person has to buy another set of medicine. This helps the chemists to earn a huge sum of money. According to the author absentmindedness seems to be a good virtue. The absent minded man is often a man who is making the best of life.

Conclusion:

Let us plan our work and work our plans, Success will knock at our doors. Have check-list  before proceeding.