In his book "River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze," author Peter Hessler shares a poignant quote from Lu Xun, suggesting that individuals with strong memories often bear the heavy burden of their past suffering. This idea reflects the emotional toll that remembering hardships can have on a person, implying that those who retain painful memories might struggle more in life.

Conversely, Hessler emphasizes that those with less vivid recollections may possess a greater ability to adapt and thrive, as they are less weighed down by their histories. This perspective highlights a survival mechanism where forgetting can lead to resilience, indicating that memories can have both constructive and destructive impacts on one's ability to cope with life’s challenges.