You have to have the actual experience in order to have the memories, but I know what you mean - and I'd have to say that the memories are more important. They last longer and can be brought out whenever needed. Also, you can change them a bit to make them turn out the way you want them to.
Reba,
57
Gaithersburg, MD USA
the actual experience cos as much as i love fond memories, you cant live in the past
Cara,
18
Valparasio, IN USA
I think the actual experience. Memories aren't as vivid.
Stephanie,
25
TX USA
Whoa...this is a tough one! I'd have to say the memories, for the most part, are more important (though there would be no memory if the experience didn't precede it). Most experiences lack longevity. Memory ~ hopefully ~ lasts a lifetime.
Fisch,
47
Preston, CT USA
Living in the moment is most important. Memories are nice, but never live up to the reality. And enjoying memories too much might keep you from moving forward.
Cindy,
41
VA USA
Actually, I think both are just as important. Enjoy the actual moments you spend with the people you love as much as you can, and when that moment is over, relish the memories of that time together!
Jared
Crestline, CA USA
Which is more important: actual experiences or the memories that remain when the actual experience is over? I find this quite hard to answer in a few words. I have done a lot of hang gliding and revelled in the experience at the time and still recall the experiences with delight - and not a little longing to repeat them. Other experiences such as marriage are inrepeatable but their memory can be strengthening. Some memories are not so good but there is tremendous value in them if you can learn from them. I've become reasonably good with computers from doing just about everything I shouldn't have done, awesome experiences at the time - like when I wiped my sons operating system off - but my expertise is sought after now. I've been given some promises by God, awesome at the time but fortifying when I'm low.
David,
59
ENGLAND
"....and which
was false and which was true,
The wisest critic never knew--
For both alike were real."
---Stephen
Vincent Benet
Jill,
61
Saylorsburg, PA USA
I'd say the actual experience, because with out that, the rest is just your imagination.
Ryan,
29
Morton, IL USA
The actual experiences are more important because they can change your life. Some examples are getting married, having children, being hit by a car. Memories can be useful in guiding your choices later on, but they can also be distorted or suppressed. Case in point: the actual experience of having a baby changes your life but the memory of having a baby is eventually suppressed or discounted. Otherwise we'd all be only children!
Cathie,
53
Novi, MI USA
This is a hard one, I like experiencing something (if it's good) and the memories are nice too (if it's good), but if it's a bad experience, the memories aren't always so good to have, and they usually last forever.
Ashley,
20
Jacksonville, FL USA
Actual experiences. Memories fade.
Aly,
17
Cardiff UK
Acutally, I have no opinion on this strong enough to comment.
Felicia,
36
Lowell, MA USA
You can't have the memory without the experience.
Laura,
37
Lowell, MA USA
Both are equally as important.
Talia,
25
Tallahassee, FL USA
They go hand in hand... not sure how one can be more important than the other as once you have the experience, you will always have the memories. Just seems to be a bit of a question that can't really be answered. Maybe a better question would be "which is more fun, the actual experience or the memories of that experience"... I can answer that one, it's the actual experience that is more fun.
Doug2,
30
Kansas City, KS USA
actual experience
Hoochie
I'd have to say the actual experiences.
Tam
You can't have one without the other.
Jane,
63
West Linn, OR USA
I think both are equally important.
Keri-Jade,
23
Brampton, Ontario CANADA
How could you not have Memories of an actual experience? Bizarre question. But, I would have to say the memories, because if you did not have the actual experienceIt how could have a memory of it? It never happened. In ubiquitousl......what is? what was?who is?who was?
Christine,
37
Syracuse, NY USA
The memories that remain are always most important.
Melodi,
19
Gahanna, OH USA
They tend to rely on each other rather heavily.
Alias Irrelevante
Well,
the memories can't exist without the experiences, so I'd have to say the
actual experiences
are more important.
Karen,
23
Ames, IA USA
Tough question. I'd say the memories. They last as long as you do, while the experience only last a while.
Judy,
62
Easton, KS USA
I don't know. If you didn't experience the event you won't have the memories. And memories are more than pictures, it's the smells or the feel of the weather that triggers the memories.
Janet,
45
E. Brunswick, NJ USA
I think the actual experience is important. You will still have the memories.
Marci,
57
OH USA