This quote is one which is perplexing dispite its simplicity and shortness. On the one hand, remembering the wrongs done against you motivates some to seek justice or atonement. However, I think that remembering the pain is only one part to complete atonement. There needs a certain amount a looking towards the future in order to see how this need for an apology will benefit you. For me, this quote pertains to a specific scenario. While living in Orange County, my life was made difficult because I was Jewish. Orange County is not known for their plethora of Jews, so singling me out was easier. Though the affect was noticeable, my ability to finally attain my own atonement was through a combination of remembering as well as looking towards the future. I think that the ability to look towards the future, to accomplish actions which will embarrass and shame the people who did me wrong. I think the recognition of your victory for the future is as great or even a greater relief than just harboring on the trauma of the past. As Laing Burns Jr. said,"Success often comes to those who have the aptitude to see way down the road." The ability to see down the road is greater then the skill of remembering the past.
I agree with this statement. When thinking about this statement, I think of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. during the day, we have to say sorry for the things we have done to our friends, family and larger community. the only way to attain true atonement is to analyze what we done. while we analyzing we are remembering our past and making to not make the same mistake. Atonement takes asking for forgiveness and changing one's ways.
I agree as well. We experience things which can be traumatizing and haunting. Until we can face these things--until we can speak of them--they will continue to haunt us and beat us up internally. Of course atonement is a process, as is everything. It isn't easy, but very much worth it.
A quote in the novel reminds me of this blog topic: "Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another" (112).
Therefore, I believe and agree with Morrison, when she says that the process of atonement is more than merely freeing ourselves of that which haunts us. It is also about acknowledging and accepting our the person we are after we have been freed. It is about realizing that yes we made mistakes, but nothing is set in stone, and life has the ability to go on. It is about understanding that you don't have to forget, but you don't have to let the past debilitate you.
I believe that Sethe is going through both these processes. She has one foot in both worlds. She has rememories and is consumed by her past and the image of Halle's face smeared in butter, but also sees the possibility of a renewed life with Paul D.
I believe the process of atonement is something we all face. The key to completing it successfully, is realizing that we dont have to go through it alone.
Though this quote talks about atonement in particular, this statement is applicable to all aspects of life. We have to remember our pasts in order to successfully face our futures. Just like in a race, crossing the finish line means nothing if you start in the middle. And, with atonement in particular, in the end, the only people who can really forgive us are ourselves.
What makes this quote so incredible is that it relates and connects with every single person. Everyone has decisions or actions that they have made in the past that they regret, so according to this quote, in order to atone for your mistakes, yo have to remember, understand and promise that whatever happened will never happen again. To me, remembering is the first of many actions in the pursuit of atonement.
I like this quote. Everyone has their own experience which they call life. No two people can have the same experience. The only way people relate to one and other is when people remember and tell their experiences to other people. So, I think that if there is something in your experience that you wish you didn't do, or wish you could apologize for, the first thing to do is remember what it is you did, and then atone for it.
After reading this quote, the rational for a history class comes to mind. We learn history so we may learn from our mistakes and so that history may not repeat itself. But this quote is directed more toward the individual rather than society as a whole. In the most simplistic and undermining way, one's own life is a collection of connected experiences. Each experience chained and influencing the next. There are a few conductors of destiny's orchestra, mainly three. The two of the three are: the circumstances of one's surroundings and the choices of the other party. Another's choices can influence the communal surroundings and the communal surroundings can influence the choice of others. The third choice is the only deed of experiences that we have any power over and that is our own choices. Still, even this power is feeble, influenced by the other two powers. But having some power in adjusting mediocre existence is better than none. As cliche and corny as this overused quote maybe from a quite pathetic movie, "With great power comes great responsibility." with the exclusion of both "greats" in the line. (Also with a little puke after reiterating that line.) The only mistakes worth having are those that are remembered, those that can be learned from. It takes the ability to humbly remember faults and then utilize the power of choice to divert from the unwanted past. People tend to attempt to forget their mistakes but that act becomes redundant when the mistake reoccurs. Venture and sin, and then regret but remember your sins so that that you may be absolved.
Remembering is a hard thing for people to do because it holds images of the past that we may not want to remember. Although when we remember it leads to atonement. This relates to every single person because all the experiences are shared and talked about. Everyone has their own experiences that they need to deal with. This quotes says that in order to atone you need to remember. I think remembering is one step towards atoning, but not necessarily all you need to do. And I believe that those who have something to atone for don't forget what they have done, even if they say they do. Its there "protective shell" in order to not go through pain again. But remembering allows us the opportunity to recognize what we have done and learn from it so it never happens again.
To remember is the first step in the journey towards atonement. Traumatized people need to remember their trauma to heal. Repressing the memories of the trauma exacerbates the intensity of the pain associated with them. Sethe and Paul D hold onto their anguish unable to confront their torturous feelings. By refusing to deal with their memories, Paul D and Sethe remain stuck in their lives and feelings incapable of divorcing themselves from their past and preventing them from moving forward. Only after confronting and coming to terms with the past can Sethe and Paul D evolve to the stage of releasing their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness to feelings of empowerment. In this way, they can pursue their own atonement
After the slaughtering of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, Germany was in shambles. Many years later, most Germans still feel the need to make amends with the Jewish people for the heinous acts their ancestors had committed. This relates to the quote stated because this piece of history proves that in order to seek forgiveness for our sins, we must remember and acknowledge them. When I was in Israel for the EIEP program, another exchange program was occurring at the high school I was attending. The group was from Germany, and consisted of teenagers who were not Jewish, and had no Israeli or Jewish ancestors. After questioning why they would have an exchange program with Germany, I was told that many German schools are extending their hands to the Israeli schools in hopes to show them that they are atoning for their sins by learning our history, and remembering the past. Although ignoring the horrific past may be pleasing, remembrance is necessary to ensure that the events will not reoccur.
I agree with this statement. By remembering the bad things we've done in the past, we will undoubtedly be forgiven for our sins.We cannot change what has happened in the past nor will we ever be able to. Therefore, it is important that we acknowledge what has happened in the past, but be able to move forward and bettter oneself. By learning from our past mistakes we are able to atone for our sins. I believe the only way we can truly atone is by making our futures better.
I completley agree. The only way to learn from a mistake is to rememeber what we have done wrong. Otherwise we would never learn from our mistakes or pusue atonement. It is crucial that we do not repeat the past. Otherwise we would be trapped in the same cycle of mistakes.
I think it is safe to say that TRUE atonement comes from a greater understanding of what has happened. Without an understanding it is most likely impossible to fix your actions. Over the weekend I received a ticket and a hefty fine for doing something stupid. I really feel like I messed up big time. It ruined a friendship. I was fired from my job. How am I to reverse my actions? Well there is not much I can do and not much in my means for me to do. Even though I feel bad, I still have to be en-debted for the ticket. And I now I have no means with which to get the money to pay off the ticket. When and if I find a solution, I honestly feel like I will have found atonement.
I completely agree with this quote. We must remember our past and look forward to the future. It's important to know the things we did wrong and correct those problems as much as we can. I think that most people learn from their mistakes and many might even regret some things, which is okay. We are given a second chance for everything.
I agree with Andrew in that this quote pertains to everything in our lives, not only atonement. I feel like this quote is directly connected to the question: Why do we study history? To which the answer is: To make sure it doesn't repeat itself. Well, in order to make sure that mistakes don't repeat themselves, we must remember. I'm not talking about remembering the main idea of the problem, or what "basically" happened. I'm talking about remembering specifics, details. In most scenarios, its the "little things" that matter. It is because of this, that the bigger picture is inadequate. I want to focus on something else that strikes me, the thought of "pursuing OUR OWN atonement". People in general focus on what other people do wrong, rather than taking responsibility for what they have done. We often find reasons for other people to atone. We dissect other peoples' mannerisms, tones, and word choices. If/When someone else brings a mistake we made to our attention, we are the first to deny it happened, and the last to apologize. Not because we disagree with what they're saying, but because we simply do not remember it. I can honestly say that half of the things that i apologize for, I have no idea i even did. Lately, it's been getting on my nerves because i feel like suddenly everything is my fault, so i have been taking the time to recall exactly where i was, what was going on, etc. But i make the mistake of saying sorry, or forgiving myself, even when i have NO IDEA what i'm really apologizing for. It's dumb. I believe that the only way to successfully atone is to recognize what went wrong and then apologize. Without knowing, how can you really be sorry? Don't cheat yourselves, it only comes back to hurt you in the end because you make the same mistake over and over again. LEARN FROM IT THE FIRST TIME!
The only way we can pursue our own atonement is to remember. Though remembering the past is important in making decisions for the future, Atonement is taking an action to repair a mistake or sin. One can atone both physically and mentally, however, to atone through remembering is just an excuse. As well, it is impossible to fulfill because no actual action is taking place. And it is impossible to pursue anything without an action.
I agree with Sean when he says that remembering the first step in the journey towards atonement. When you remember something your reaction is either positive or negative. Which ever it may be it reflects how you will solve the situation. Memories help people recognize their mistakes or recognize what the did right and can help them in the future.
As Toni Morrison once said, "I'm interested in the way which the past affects the present and I think that if we understand a good deal more about history, we automatically understand a great more about contemporary life." Memory is history. It is not only the past events that define our maturity or growth but it is learning and repairing or atoning our mistakes that create who we are. I have to agree with everything Sari said. Its sort of like trial and error. Once we test something out, the past experience of the outcome of the testing, corrects repetition of an undesirable act. The only way to truly learn is by looking back at your past and instead of trying to repress memories.
This quote is one which is perplexing dispite its simplicity and shortness. On the one hand, remembering the wrongs done against you motivates some to seek justice or atonement. However, I think that remembering the pain is only one part to complete atonement. There needs a certain amount a looking towards the future in order to see how this need for an apology will benefit you. For me, this quote pertains to a specific scenario. While living in Orange County, my life was made difficult because I was Jewish. Orange County is not known for their plethora of Jews, so singling me out was easier. Though the affect was noticeable, my ability to finally attain my own atonement was through a combination of remembering as well as looking towards the future. I think that the ability to look towards the future, to accomplish actions which will embarrass and shame the people who did me wrong. I think the recognition of your victory for the future is as great or even a greater relief than just harboring on the trauma of the past. As Laing Burns Jr. said,"Success often comes to those who have the aptitude to see way down the road." The ability to see down the road is greater then the skill of remembering the past.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this statement. When thinking about this statement, I think of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. during the day, we have to say sorry for the things we have done to our friends, family and larger community. the only way to attain true atonement is to analyze what we done. while we analyzing we are remembering our past and making to not make the same mistake. Atonement takes asking for forgiveness and changing one's ways.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. We experience things which can be traumatizing and haunting. Until we can face these things--until we can speak of them--they will continue to haunt us and beat us up internally. Of course atonement is a process, as is everything. It isn't easy, but very much worth it.
ReplyDeleteA quote in the novel reminds me of this blog topic: "Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another" (112).
Therefore, I believe and agree with Morrison, when she says that the process of atonement is more than merely freeing ourselves of that which haunts us. It is also about acknowledging and accepting our the person we are after we have been freed. It is about realizing that yes we made mistakes, but nothing is set in stone, and life has the ability to go on. It is about understanding that you don't have to forget, but you don't have to let the past debilitate you.
I believe that Sethe is going through both these processes. She has one foot in both worlds. She has rememories and is consumed by her past and the image of Halle's face smeared in butter, but also sees the possibility of a renewed life with Paul D.
I believe the process of atonement is something we all face. The key to completing it successfully, is realizing that we dont have to go through it alone.
Though this quote talks about atonement in particular, this statement is applicable to all aspects of life. We have to remember our pasts in order to successfully face our futures. Just like in a race, crossing the finish line means nothing if you start in the middle. And, with atonement in particular, in the end, the only people who can really forgive us are ourselves.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes this quote so incredible is that it relates and connects with every single person. Everyone has decisions or actions that they have made in the past that they regret, so according to this quote, in order to atone for your mistakes, yo have to remember, understand and promise that whatever happened will never happen again. To me, remembering is the first of many actions in the pursuit of atonement.
ReplyDeleteI like this quote. Everyone has their own experience which they call life. No two people can have the same experience. The only way people relate to one and other is when people remember and tell their experiences to other people. So, I think that if there is something in your experience that you wish you didn't do, or wish you could apologize for, the first thing to do is remember what it is you did, and then atone for it.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this quote, the rational for a history class comes to mind. We learn history so we may learn from our mistakes and so that history may not repeat itself. But this quote is directed more toward the individual rather than society as a whole. In the most simplistic and undermining way, one's own life is a collection of connected experiences. Each experience chained and influencing the next. There are a few conductors of destiny's orchestra, mainly three. The two of the three are: the circumstances of one's surroundings and the choices of the other party. Another's choices can influence the communal surroundings and the communal surroundings can influence the choice of others. The third choice is the only deed of experiences that we have any power over and that is our own choices. Still, even this power is feeble, influenced by the other two powers. But having some power in adjusting mediocre existence is better than none. As cliche and corny as this overused quote maybe from a quite pathetic movie, "With great power comes great responsibility." with the exclusion of both "greats" in the line. (Also with a little puke after reiterating that line.) The only mistakes worth having are those that are remembered, those that can be learned from. It takes the ability to humbly remember faults and then utilize the power of choice to divert from the unwanted past. People tend to attempt to forget their mistakes but that act becomes redundant when the mistake reoccurs. Venture and sin, and then regret but remember your sins so that that you may be absolved.
ReplyDeleteBy Michael Sambol
Remembering is a hard thing for people to do because it holds images of the past that we may not want to remember. Although when we remember it leads to atonement. This relates to every single person because all the experiences are shared and talked about. Everyone has their own experiences that they need to deal with. This quotes says that in order to atone you need to remember. I think remembering is one step towards atoning, but not necessarily all you need to do. And I believe that those who have something to atone for don't forget what they have done, even if they say they do. Its there "protective shell" in order to not go through pain again. But remembering allows us the opportunity to recognize what we have done and learn from it so it never happens again.
ReplyDeleteTo remember is the first step in the journey towards atonement. Traumatized people need to remember their trauma to heal. Repressing the memories of the trauma exacerbates the intensity of the pain associated with them. Sethe and Paul D hold onto their anguish unable to confront their torturous feelings. By refusing to deal with their memories, Paul D and Sethe remain stuck in their lives and feelings incapable of divorcing themselves from their past and preventing them from moving forward. Only after confronting and coming to terms with the past can Sethe and Paul D evolve to the stage of releasing their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness to feelings of empowerment. In this way, they can pursue their own atonement
ReplyDeleteAfter the slaughtering of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, Germany was in shambles. Many years later, most Germans still feel the need to make amends with the Jewish people for the heinous acts their ancestors had committed. This relates to the quote stated because this piece of history proves that in order to seek forgiveness for our sins, we must remember and acknowledge them. When I was in Israel for the EIEP program, another exchange program was occurring at the high school I was attending. The group was from Germany, and consisted of teenagers who were not Jewish, and had no Israeli or Jewish ancestors. After questioning why they would have an exchange program with Germany, I was told that many German schools are extending their hands to the Israeli schools in hopes to show them that they are atoning for their sins by learning our history, and remembering the past. Although ignoring the horrific past may be pleasing, remembrance is necessary to ensure that the events will not reoccur.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this statement. By remembering the bad things we've done in the past, we will undoubtedly be forgiven for our sins.We cannot change what has happened in the past nor will we ever be able to. Therefore, it is important that we acknowledge what has happened in the past, but be able to move forward and bettter oneself. By learning from our past mistakes we are able to atone for our sins. I believe the only way we can truly atone is by making our futures better.
ReplyDeleteI completley agree. The only way to learn from a mistake is to rememeber what we have done wrong. Otherwise we would never learn from our mistakes or pusue atonement. It is crucial that we do not repeat the past. Otherwise we would be trapped in the same cycle of mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI think it is safe to say that TRUE atonement comes from a greater understanding of what has happened. Without an understanding it is most likely impossible to fix your actions. Over the weekend I received a ticket and a hefty fine for doing something stupid. I really feel like I messed up big time. It ruined a friendship. I was fired from my job. How am I to reverse my actions? Well there is not much I can do and not much in my means for me to do. Even though I feel bad, I still have to be en-debted for the ticket. And I now I have no means with which to get the money to pay off the ticket. When and if I find a solution, I honestly feel like I will have found atonement.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this quote. We must remember our past and look forward to the future. It's important to know the things we did wrong and correct those problems as much as we can. I think that most people learn from their mistakes and many might even regret some things, which is okay. We are given a second chance for everything.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew in that this quote pertains to everything in our lives, not only atonement. I feel like this quote is directly connected to the question: Why do we study history? To which the answer is: To make sure it doesn't repeat itself. Well, in order to make sure that mistakes don't repeat themselves, we must remember. I'm not talking about remembering the main idea of the problem, or what "basically" happened. I'm talking about remembering specifics, details. In most scenarios, its the "little things" that matter. It is because of this, that the bigger picture is inadequate. I want to focus on something else that strikes me, the thought of "pursuing OUR OWN atonement". People in general focus on what other people do wrong, rather than taking responsibility for what they have done. We often find reasons for other people to atone. We dissect other peoples' mannerisms, tones, and word choices. If/When someone else brings a mistake we made to our attention, we are the first to deny it happened, and the last to apologize. Not because we disagree with what they're saying, but because we simply do not remember it. I can honestly say that half of the things that i apologize for, I have no idea i even did. Lately, it's been getting on my nerves because i feel like suddenly everything is my fault, so i have been taking the time to recall exactly where i was, what was going on, etc. But i make the mistake of saying sorry, or forgiving myself, even when i have NO IDEA what i'm really apologizing for. It's dumb. I believe that the only way to successfully atone is to recognize what went wrong and then apologize. Without knowing, how can you really be sorry? Don't cheat yourselves, it only comes back to hurt you in the end because you make the same mistake over and over again. LEARN FROM IT THE FIRST TIME!
ReplyDeleteThe only way we can pursue our own atonement is to remember.
ReplyDeleteThough remembering the past is important in making decisions for the future, Atonement is taking an action to repair a mistake or sin. One can atone both physically and mentally, however, to atone through remembering is just an excuse. As well, it is impossible to fulfill because no actual action is taking place. And it is impossible to pursue anything without an action.
I agree with Sean when he says that remembering the first step in the journey towards atonement. When you remember something your reaction is either positive or negative. Which ever it may be it reflects how you will solve the situation. Memories help people recognize their mistakes or recognize what the did right and can help them in the future.
ReplyDeleteAs Toni Morrison once said, "I'm interested in the way which the past affects the present and I think that if we understand a good deal more about history, we automatically understand a great more about contemporary life." Memory is history. It is not only the past events that define our maturity or growth but it is learning and repairing or atoning our mistakes that create who we are. I have to agree with everything Sari said. Its sort of like trial and error. Once we test something out, the past experience of the outcome of the testing, corrects repetition of an undesirable act. The only way to truly learn is by looking back at your past and instead of trying to repress memories.
ReplyDelete