Final answer:
The past differs from the present in its fixed nature, while the present is where active life occurs. Individuals have the capacity to interpret and engage with the past in various ways, shaping their understanding and identity. Acceptance of the past's role is subjective and can influence how individuals interact with historical and personal memories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The past is fundamentally different from the present in that the present is the moment in which we live and make decisions, whereas the past consists of events that have already occurred and are immutable. According to the narratives provided, there are different views on how individuals can be affected by and utilize their understanding of the past.
One perspective suggests that, while we are indeed influenced by our personal memories and socio-economic backgrounds, we 'are free to choose what of the past (our memories) we shall use and in what way we shall use it.' This statement emphasizes the agency we have in the present to interpret and give meaning to our past experiences.
Moreover, in literature, the past is often seen as an integral part of understanding characters and settings, as exemplified by the reflection on past experiences in a garden, which becomes synonymous with 'one's happiness, one's reality.' Thus, individuals are capable of attributing different levels of significance to past events, shaping not just their perceptions but also their identities.
In understanding history, we engage with various forms of knowledge, including art, architecture, and music. These forms help us interpret the human story beyond written records, asserting that the past, though not physically present, continues to influence our present.
Ultimately, the individual's acceptance of the past's difference from the present and their ease with this notion varies based on their philosophical outlook, their experiences, and their willingness to see the past as a guiding force rather than a determinant of the present.