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The past is always present in our actions from "summary" of Time and Free Will (Annotated Edition) by Henri Bergson
The idea that the past is always present in our actions is a fundamental concept put forth by Bergson. He argues that we tend to view time as a series of separate moments, disconnected from one another. However, Bergson contends that this is an illusion, as the past is constantly influencing our present actions. According to Bergson, the past is not something that is left behind or forgotten. Instead, it is always with us, shaping our decisions and behaviors in the present. Our past experiences, memories, and habits all play a role in determining how we act in any given moment. Bergson uses the analogy of a river to illustrate this concept. Just as a river is constantly flowing and changing, so too is our relationship with the past. The past is not static, but rather dynamic and ever-present in our lives. Furthermore, Bergson argues that our perception of time is subjective and shaped by our individual experiences. He suggests that we have a tendency to view time as a series of discrete moments, when in reality, it is a continuous and fluid entity. In this way, the past is not something that is confined to a specific moment in time, but rather a constant force that influences our present actions. Our past experiences shape our present reality, whether we are aware of it or not.- Bergson's concept of the past always being present in our actions challenges our conventional understanding of time and highlights the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. By recognizing the influence of the past on our present actions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
