The quote by V.S. Pritchett offers a profound reflection on the nature of memory, family identity, and the stories that shape our understanding of ourselves. It suggests that one's personal and familial narrative begins at the point of individual awareness or birth, essentially disregarding what came before as myth or perhaps less tangible reality. This perspective can be intriguing because it highlights the subjective nature of history and memory — each generation constructs its own stories and truths based on what they directly experience or recall. It also implicitly points to the often selective manner in which families choose to remember or retell their past, sometimes blurring the lines between fact, legend, and myth.

Moreover, this quote prompts deeper consideration of the origins of identity. If our family story starts at birth, we might see heritage and ancestry as a kind of mythic backdrop, beautiful and meaningful but not something that defines us with certainty. This calls into question how much weight we should give to inherited narratives versus lived experiences when shaping who we are. It's a reminder that while history and legacy provide context, it is ultimately our own conscious existence and experiences that form the core of our reality.

From a broader perspective, Pritchett’s words invite us to appreciate the fluid boundary between reality and myth. They encourage a respectful acknowledgment of the stories passed down through generations as something rich but flexible, something constructed and revised over time. In this way, the quote urges mindful reflection about the nature of family, memory, and the narratives that sustain us.