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Can memoirs ever be objective or are they always subjective?

Joaquin Lindegard

Memoirs are a fascinating genre of literature that offers us a glimpse into the past through the eyes and experiences of others. However, when it comes to the question of objectivity and subjectivity, the answer is not quite straightforward.

To begin with, it is important to define what we mean by objectivity and subjectivity. Objective writing is based on facts and evidence, while subjective writing is based on personal opinions, emotions, and interpretations. Therefore, a memoir, by definition, is a subjective account of someone's personal experiences and thoughts. The author is free to choose what to include and what to leave out, which events to emphasize and which to downplay, how to describe characters and situations, and so on. In this sense, it is difficult to argue that memoirs can be entirely objective.

However, that doesn't mean that memoirs are devoid of any semblance of objectivity. To some extent, the author's experiences and observations can provide valuable insights into a certain period, culture, or event. For example, a memoir about growing up in a certain country during a particular time can give readers a unique perspective on the societal and political conditions of that era. Moreover, if the memoir is written with a sense of honesty and integrity, it can offer a glimpse into universal human experiences and emotions that are relatable to people from different backgrounds.

Furthermore, the concept of objectivity assumes that there is a single truth that can be objectively verified. However, in reality, the truth is often multifaceted and subjective, depending on one's perspective, experiences, and context. Therefore, even if two people witness the same event, they may have different interpretations of it, and their memoirs will reflect their individual viewpoints.

In addition, the role of memory cannot be overlooked when it comes to memoirs. Memories are not static, objective entities but rather dynamic and malleable constructs that are influenced by various factors, such as emotions, biases, and time. Therefore, even if the author tries to be as objective as possible, their memories may not be entirely accurate or complete. As neuroscientist Daniel Levitin notes in his book "The Organized Mind," "Our memories are never perfect because they were never intended to be." In this sense, memoirs can only be as objective as human memory allows, which is to say, not entirely.

To sum up, the question of whether memoirs can be objective or subjective is not a binary one. While memoirs are inherently subjective, they can still offer valuable insights and perspectives if written with honesty and integrity. At the same time, their subjectivity and reliance on memory mean that they can't be entirely objective. Ultimately, reading and writing memoirs is an exercise in empathy and understanding, as we try to connect with the author's experiences and emotions while acknowledging the limitations of our subjective perspectives.