What does the quote by Eli Weisel mean to you?

Question

"Without memory, there is no culture, no civilization, no society, of humanity."

Answer 1

In a sense, it means we learn by our successes and failures of the past.

However, isnt it amazing if youre somewhat famous you can say generalizations like this, and they suddenly become profound quotes.

Of course, without memory there isnt much.

Thats just a given. The brain isnt totally functional w/out memory.

To be or not be.  Yeah ?

Answer 2

Without the past, we cannot observe any differences in the present.  In order to learn from mistakes and remake society and humanity for the better, we must be able to see patterns in history.

not really sure, maybe something like that..