The human is the creature of distant: on reverse temporal perspective in autobiographical memory

Abstract

This article explores the concept of reverse time perspective in autobiographical memory, presenting it as a metaphor to analyze how individuals’ past and future can provide meaning to the present’s uncertainties and motivate life-scale activities. Initially, the psychological concept of time perspective (TP) is reviewed, highlighting its essential functions and optimal qualities. The fundamental law of forgetting, which implies a gradual fading of memory details over time, is identified as the primary challenge to optimal TP. The classic forgetting curve reflects the straight perspective principle regarding memory functioning. However, the sign nature of TP as a method of cultural interpretations of space and time distance allows for the possibility of employing it not only in straight, but also in reverse manner. Autobiographical memory implements the principle of reverse perspective where perceptual intensity for past and future events increases with their personal significance and temporal distance.