Definitions HQ

Memory (n.) of ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠a memory does not contain it: my present remembering of yesterday's remembering would keep its full nature even if yesterday's never took place.

Memory (n.) carries ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠a hidden reflexion inside it: "I remember A" and "I have perceived A" are equivalent a priori — but only equivalent, for the meaning is different.

Memory (n.) can ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠nest in memory without end: living in a remembered day we find memories that were lived then, and glance through them to remembered matter of the second level — and so, ideally, in infinitum; likewise fancies in fancies.

Memory (n.) gains ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠strength in company: each recollection weighs more within its context than alone — and if the chain reaches through to the present, something of the light of perception shines back along the whole series.

Memory (n.) owes ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠its legitimacy in secret to perception, still operative in all its confusion; and it has its own way of failing — blending what is remembered with what is not, until one memory-picture explodes into incompatible memories.