Lethe, the river of forgetfulness. In classical mythology it was the river in the underworld whose waters made you forget your former earthly life. Then you were ready for paradise or reincarnation (interesting how life back on earth was contrasted with life in paradise). It would have been nice to be able to forget just specific memories, but that wasn't allowed. You drink, you forget everything including your identity, that was the deal. You couldn't pick and choose.
There have been times when I almost wished I could drink of its waters and forget. Almost.
Just as well. I wouldn't really want to have my memories erased -- it's almost like dying, isn't it (some science fiction plots have touched on this theme, most spectacularly in the 2014 movie Ex Machina -- that rebooting a robot's brain is tantamount to murdering its former incarnation). I wouldn't want even the unpleasant, sad and disturbing memories to be lost -- they are all part of my identity. If I can't partake of the joys, I'll at least keep the regrets.
Anyway, I can experience temporary oblivion from the bottle whenever I want -- and that's enough for me.
By the way, my compliments to whomever chose to have the door of the establishment painted that forbidding grey. It's perfect.
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