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"忘れようとする願望ほど記憶に強く刻まれるものはない。"

Michel de Montaigne

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Simplified Meaning:

When we try really hard to forget something, it often makes that thing stick in our mind even more. It's like telling yourself not to think about a pink elephant; suddenly, that's all you can think about. For example, if someone had an embarrassing moment in school, and they keep wishing they could forget it, that wish can make the memory pop up in their head more frequently. This happens because the act of wanting to forget actually keeps the memory alive. Instead of trying to force a memory out, it's better to accept it and move on, which can eventually help it fade away naturally. So, next time something bothers you, try to accept it rather than fight it—this will help you more in the long run.

Related tags
Emotions Forgetting Human behavior Memory Mind Paradox Psychology Recall Regret Trauma
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