I think it's probably more useful as an explanation of how we already manage to forget things that seem to be unforgettable. Like Grrarrgh said, memories aren't created in a vacuum. We're also not mice--our brains are infinitely more complex. And haven't we, as a race, learned our lesson regarding mind-altering drugs and their side effects?
*sigh*
Apparently not.
As for Sir Ferret, while you might erase those things that held you back, you might also be erasing those things that make you the ferret we know and love. And you wouldn't be adding any positive memories that would spur you on to being something different.
I've found that the best way to deal with the yucky and unpalatable things in my life is to learn from them instead of forget them, and move on. I've got an image of the type of person I'd like to become, and instead of blaming past mistakes for holding me back, I actively try to create new realities to make my dreams come true.
Yes, we all have things we'd rather forget. But even if I could forget, for example, that my sister committed suicide or that I was raped as a young woman, what good would it do? My sister won't come back to life, and other young woman will still suffer the trauma of date rape.
But if I remember, painful as it is, I can also remember why it's important for me to speak up and have my voice heard to change things.
Yes, PTSD is a horrible thing. But if we erase it, would we then forget how horrible war and other things really are?
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