text;

[bearshermark]

I've been thinking maybe these memories are a way to warn us of our past mistakes, so that we can be better versions of ourselves this time.

But then I guess we'd have to worry about what that means.

Comments

[darkenedmoon]

As if I do not already...

[bearshermark]

Are they that bad?

[darkenedmoon]

Let's just say I was very good at making mistakes.

[smilingarmor]

I don't know about that, Elliot darling. I just got a few more back myself recently, and none of them seemed particularly like warnings. Unless you count warning me that perhaps I shouldn't go waving around the sword that arrived on my doorstep today just yet; my past self was apparently quite a swordsman, but I only know stage combat, which is nothing like the real thing.

[bearshermark]

Yeah, mine were pretty okay for awhile.

You got a sword, though? That's pretty cool. Maybe we can spar sometime.

[smilingarmor]

After I've had a bit of practice, perhaps.

By the way, if you're looking for a place to practice that's climate controlled, just let me know. Provided there's not a show or rehearsal going on, there should be enough room on the stage for whatever you need to do.

[darkforcerising]

Maybe for you.

Being born a slave isn't really a personal mistake.

[bearshermark]

Geez. I'm glad that's gone better for you this time.

But yeah, not all of them, just. I don't know. Maybe not. Just something I've been thinking about.

[darkforcerising]

If you can learn from your memories, that's probably a good thing.

All I'm learning is that people suck.

[scotch_egg]

This life is hard enough without a lesson of bloody morals from a past you didn't even ask for.

[bearshermark]

Yeah, they definitely complicated everything.

[scotch_egg]

That's an understatement if I've ever heard one. Really if the Bureau wanted to help they could foot therapy bills. Have you asked about that?

[serpentinthegarden]

That sounds like something you would say. I think they are more inspiring... Giving us the freedom to do what we want, when we want.

[bearshermark]

That sounds like it might be a little bit of an irresponsible interpretation.

[serpentinthegarden]

It's more fun than your interpretation. Why spend all your time worrying?

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[traceofeffort]

I've gone on about it at some length before, but I definitely agree with the "better versions of ourselves" part, even if I think the reason might vary a little.

Don't let this drive you crazy.

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[bearshermark]

Yeah? I don't really know what it means for me. Or.. I don't know enough about philosophy to wonder too hard about the destiny angle, but it does make me wonder.

I feel like my past self set a pretty low bar if it's true, at least.

[consortofalderaan]

Perhaps. But that does seem to undermind the idea that these are whole, actual lives we are remembering. I'd be hesitant to say that the totality of most people's lives aren't a lesson in failure.

[bearshermark]

Sounds like a good point. But we make mistakes in this life and try to learn from them. With memories of a second life, it seems like maybe we should try to learn from those as well. Make different mistakes, at least.

[hardtoignore]

[Not that Clarence disagrees, but right now this isn’t something he can add to and be helpful so he’s just going to spam Elliott with cat videos.]

[bearshermark]

[Well it's near-impossible not to smile at funny cat videos, so they help in their own way]

Thanks.

[temptationaccomplished]

That is the nature of ALL things past, even the most conservative or conventional: to learn from them.

I wouldn't put too much stock in it, however. You'll twist yourself in knots trying to find meaning in moments that may well have been fluke or happenstance, or that you do not fully understand the significance or manner of.

[bearshermark]

Yeah, you're probably right, there. I guess I just have more resolve now, to try harder and be more wary.

[hoponpop]

So you're saying you believe this is the work of a higher power?

[bearshermark]

I guess so, but it's just a thought.

What do you think?