Researchers are developing a pill that will erase bad memories. While on the surface that might sound like a great idea and be helpful in aiding recovery, I have some doubts about it. In no way would I wish suffering on anyone and in no way would I downplay the anguish that traumatic experiences in life bring with them; but popping a pill to circumvent the natural healing process raises some questions for me.
For a start, the researchers admitted that there is no way of knowing if only the damaging memory of pain and suffering would be taken away. It is also possible that some good and pleasant memories would also be lost. I’m not too sure if I would want to take the risk of removing some of what makes me essentially who I am.
I wonder too if it would still be possible to fully develop some of the qualities that make us innately human if we did not recall the experiences of despair in our lives, rather than just retaining the effects of delight. Would we be as likely to cultivate character strengths such as courage, compassion, empathy or resilience?
Without being able to bring to mind the consequence of some of our actions would we develop that healthy level of fear that acts as a protector? How would we learn from our mistakes if there were no repercussions?
Pain, whether it is physical or emotional, actually tells us something is wrong. Sometimes it is a matter of coming to terms with it and allowing the healing to happen, and other times we have the choice to take some action to avoid or alleviate the situation.
What do you think – can you see any benefit to the tough times, or would you rather pop a pill?
