What do you think of the concept of formal sharing and bequeathing of memories, as with the Life Journals maintained by PURE citizens?

Ironically I've been in the process of trying to get rid of my dozen full binders of journals over the last decade... gawd forbid anyone gets their hands on them lol.

On the other hand, there's a longing to know more about ancestors and personal family history. At least in Vision Speak, the writer knows their words will eventually be shared with family and can choose what to share. In our era we kind of have this in the form of social media. So... perhaps it's a better idea that people store up all the interesting parts of their life for one single presentation than the daily flogging of cute cat gifs and pics of what they're having for breakfast?

It’s a noble and highly impractical pursuit. At the same time I find that I want to leave a journal and do not stay with it. I also find myself wondering what my grandpa’s Life was like a hundred years ago. And then what about the nitty gritti stuff, whose coming out of the closet or are most journals just someone creating a wannabe past life. I think journal making could have a structure and some limitations and fit a grid that would be usefull to future generations.

Pea Doubleu: If society does not find a way to pass on wisdom and experience from generation to generation there will be no society and no culture. We are engaged in this very conversation because we are human beings interested in stories. Stories, memories, experiences, learning, interaction and exchange are all absolutely necessary for life to have meaning. Ancient ancestors told stories around campfires, so that current and future generations might know who they are. Orson Scott Card fundamentally changed the way I do funerals because he wrote a book called 'Speaker for the Dead,' in which one person travelled the galaxy to listen to the life of one in the community who had died--through conversations with those still living--and then mirror that life back to family, friends, neighbours, society, telling the truth about that person and about them. Your 'Life Journals' are a vehicle for the lived reality of citizens to transcend what might otherwise be destroyed by a society bent on telling the only acceptable story. Think '1984.' Life is colourless, hollow, flat when bureaucracy is in charge of defining that life.

Susan Levoy: I think sharing memories are relevant and pertinent. It allows us to understand our predecessors more fully and how they perceived the world. It can serve as a learning tool.They help us understand our shared realities and strengthen our shared connections.Memory keepers preserve the past. Bequeathing memories entails more responsibility depending on what those memories are.

Joan Culbert: The Memories idea is wonderful but is it a real life possibility, but since we are in a futuristic world perhaps..wouldn't that be nice

Susan James: I concur with Robyn’s comments in theory. In practice however, if a mom (or dad) left their memory journals to only one family member, I could see it as being a recipe for discord among those who were not entrusted with those memory journals. Which I guess we see, in the reaction of Willow’s family members. Is it right or wrong to entrust one or more of one’s family with such memories? I don’t know the answer. I see the value which Robyn, Roseanne and Eden express, and also wonder if ethically, it’s ‘right’ to possibly burden that family member with the travails of one’s own life. But hey - why are we attracted to memoirs of people we have known in a public fashion - beyond being nosy about their lives 🙂 it IS to learn, to reflect what we would have said/done/thought etc. Interestingly enough, this summer I told my oldest son that I was leaving him all my journals when I die and joked that he would be the only person I know who might be interested in them. But since the I’ve wondered why I would want anyone to read them - is it vanity on my part: wanting anyone to know what angst I went through at various times in my life, or will he better understand me and perhaps alter the way he looks at things. I don’t know. Maybe I’d better re-read them all myself first ...

When I was younger, the thought of sharing private journal entries would have been abhorrent. However, with the passage of time, and after losing family members, we start to realize that these threads of who they were and where we came from, can be enlightening. And some of the thoughts, feelings, actions that once caused embarrassment for me, are 'only human, after all'. Perhaps this level of sharing and honesty can actually connect us rather than divide.

Roseanne: The formal practice of bequeathing one's memories to a special family member or friend is unique way of ensuring that your legacy would continue and be recognized by a younger generation. In the book, It is an underlying foundation ... we see the storyline developing around how Willow will manage Elizabeth's ideals.

Robyn Watt: I think this is a beautiful idea, and sincerely wish it was common practice. I'm sure everyone who has had a loved one pass wishes they had dedicated more time to hearing their stories, or wishes they could hear their voice once more. Though this might be a burden for the protector, I believe it would also be therapeutic.