"ذاكرة كل إنسان هي أدبه الخاص"

The central idea here is that our memories are like our own personal collection of stories or books. Think about it. Every experience we have, every person we meet, and every moment we cherish or regret—these make up a unique anthology that only we have access to. It's like having a private library where every book is a chapter of our life.

This idea rings true for many reasons. Historically, the concept of memory as a personal narrative has been explored by countless philosophers and writers. They believed that our identity is built upon our recollections. Why was this said? Probably to underline the importance of our personal histories in shaping who we are. After all, what are we but a bundle of our experiences?

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world scenario. Imagine Sarah, a 70-year-old grandmother who’s seen a lot in her time. She’s lived through the swinging sixties, the digital revolution, and everything in between. Her memories are rich tapestries of love, loss, joy, and sorrow. Now, when she tells her grandchildren about the past, she’s not just recounting events; she’s sharing her private literature. Those stories are irreplaceable—no one else has the same collection of memories that she does.

So, how can you make this wisdom work for you? Well, start by valuing your own experiences. They are the stories that define who you are. Keep a journal or even a voice recorder. Capture those memories as they come because, over time, they become precious. Share your stories with others. It’s a way to connect deeply and let them into your world. Plus, it’s a gift to those who will value your unique perspective.

Now, let’s illustrate this with a short story. Picture this: you’re at a coffee shop with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. The two of you start reminiscing about high school. You bring up that time you both skipped class to go to the beach. Your friend laughs and adds details you’d forgotten—how you both got sunburned and had to come up with an elaborate lie to explain it to your parents. In that moment, you realize that your shared memories are like a co-authored book, one that you treasure deeply.

Memories are powerful. They can comfort us in tough times and remind us of the people we’ve loved and lost. They’re also our private literature—a collection that we can revisit over and over, each time discovering something new. So, cherish your memories and give them the importance they deserve. They’re part of what makes you, you.

And hey, don’t worry if some memories are bittersweet or even painful. They’re all part of your story, your private literature. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them enrich the narrative of your life. So next time you find yourself lost in thought, drifting through old memories, remember: you’re leafing through the pages of your own unique book. Isn’t that something special?