Recording memories

THE BIG IDEA 60 seconds to change the world

Can a simple idea help make the world a better place? Each week we ask a guest to outline an idea to improve all our lives. Here, philosopher Angie Hobbs argues that every schoolchild should record the memories of at least one older person aged 60 or over.

My proposal is that all schoolchildren should record the memories of at least one person aged 60 or over to build up a collective memory bank.

This project would be compulsory for the young but only optional for the over 60s.

I think there would be many benefits from doing this.

We would gain unique insights into social history and benefit from the experience and wisdom of older generations.

FROM BBC WORLD SERVICE More from The Forum Download the 60 Second Podcast

The elderly would feel useful, wanted and valued.

Stronger bonds would be formed between the young and old, leading to less abuse and neglect of the elderly, and perhaps less neglect of children too.

Finally, the older peoples' past could become part of the present and future of the young, leading to a sense of continuity and a bit of stability in a chaotic and frightening world.

I think collective memory banks should get the memories before we lose them.

Angie Hobbs is a philosopher at Warwick University, specialising in ancient Greek philosophy and in ethics.

---

Add your comments on this story, using the form below.

Name

Your e-mail address

Town/city and country

Your comment

The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide.

Terms & Conditions