Why is it we want so badly to memorialize ourselves? Even while we're still alive. We wish to assert our existence, like dogs peeing on fire hydrants. We put on display our framed photographs, our parchment diplomas, our silver-plated cups; we monogram our linen, we carve our names on trees, we scrawl them on washroom walls. It's all the same impulse. What do we hope from it? Applause, envy, respect? Or simply attention, of any kind we can get?At the very least we want a witness. We can't stand the idea of our own voices falling silently finally, like a radio running down.
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The desire to memorialize ourselves is deeply ingrained in human nature, reflecting an urge to assert our existence. We seek acknowledgment through various forms, such as displaying photographs, diplomas, and personal items, much like animals marking their territory. This behavior raises questions about our motivations—do we seek admiration, jealousy, or just any form of recognition? Even mundane actions, like carving names into trees or writing on walls, stem from this same instinct to be seen and remembered.

Ultimately, this need points to a fundamental longing for validation and a witness to our lives. We fear the idea of fading away without leaving any trace of our experiences or voices. Our actions reflect a profound desire for connection and remembrance, as we strive to ensure that our existence resonates beyond our lifetimes. The impulse to memorialize ourselves can be viewed as a quest for significance in a world that often feels indifferent to individual stories.

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February 14, 2025

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