Today, I read an article about a potential new drug that enables a person to forget memories. Basically, memories are created by the brain's synthesization of proteins. Each time an old memory is recalled, proteins are produced, and the brain rewires itself. The pill prevents the production of PMZzeta, the protein responsible for memory, thus preventing the rewiring of neurons. Since the neurons are not allowed to reconstruct, the memory is forever forgotten.
At first glance, this seems like a tantalizing fantasy. Every bad memory you have could be instantly erased simply by recalling it one last time. The pill only erases specific memories, so there would be no harm to the brain itself.
But I would not take the pill.
It's as simple as that. My memories are what makes me, me. They are responsible for the person I am today, a person I am proud of. Despite the recall of certain memories being regular and depressing, without them, I wouldn't understand struggle or success. My current state of positivity wouldn't be so positive because I would have no bad times to compare it with.
People who know me say I have a lot of energy. People who really know me understand that I am simply enjoying every minute and creating as many great memories as possible.
I am content with myself now, and I am finally content with my past. I don't want to forget what is responsible for my happiness. I live for the present, not the past, but forgetting is not an option. My memories keep me humble and serve as a reminder to appreciate every day I am given. My brain is full of memories, and without memories, I am nothing.
I have always been on to say that I wish I could erase certain memories that I didn't want anymore, but I never thought it would ever actually be possible. After reading this it made me think about what I would do if I was offered this pill. I agree with what you said about memories and experiences molding us into who were are as a person and I think that no matter how bad a memory might be, we should still keep them. I would not accept the pill, even though it would be tough to say no, because every thing that has happened in my life has been a learning experience and now those memories are always there to remind me that I can always get through anything no matter how tough. This pill offers an easy way out, but life isn't easy.
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