#continuity of self

book 2 part 23/42

About memory and the continuity of self... I sometimes think about when a person who commits a crime truly loses his memory of his crime and cannot understand how he could have done that, should he be punished? It was his body that committed his crime, but not his mind. I think most would say it's our minds that make us more of who we are than our bodies. So if I lose my mind, am I different person? When someone's born they have no memories. For those who believe in reincarnation, the past life's memories are forgotten. If you lose all your memories, isn't it the equivalent of being born again?

Candas Jane Dorsey

Kōbō Abe (Kimifusa Abe)

At last you have come, threading your way through the endless passages of the maze. With the map you got from him, you have finally found your way to my hideaway - the first room at the top of the creaking, harmonium-pedal stairs. You've mounted with somewhat shaky steps. You hold your breath and knock. Why is there no answer? Instead, only a young girl comes running like a kitten. She is supposed to open the door for you. You ask if there isn't a message; the girl doesn't answer but smiles and runs away.