Forgetfullness is like a faithful ally and an arch-nemesis. It has the power to drive us forward during times of failure and impede us when we want to succeed. Left to its own devices forgetfulness will creep into every facet of life. At times it is a welcome friend, but at others it is a hostile enemy.

The Ally

During times of failure, personal tragedy or communal catastrophy forgetfulness arrives as the ally. Slowly memories are pushed into the background. Slowly we find that we are able to continue on with life’s challenges. While the memories never fade entirely and can be recalled sometimes at will and sometimes at the most inoportune times we find we are able to focus on the present.

The Nemesis

We all desire to have proper perspectives, balance our times and occupy ourselves with things that give us and those around us true happiness. The nemesis arrives daily seeking to undermine these desires and replace them with a more unintentional and automatic existence. When the nemesis achieves victory we find that the day has been squandered and our desires have slipped away. Without a willful determination to combat the nemesis we will slump back into the mindless procession.

When we have no will forgetfulness arrives as an ally. When the will is strong forgetfulness comes as our enemy. Welcome the ally, but beware the enemy.