On March 24, 1857, Thoreau journaled about memory, and how the passing of time serves as a filter for what is good or interesting:
If you are describing any occurrence, or a man, make two or more distinct reports at different times. Though you may think you have said all, you will to-morrow remember a whole new class of facts which perhaps interested most of all at the time, but did not present themselves to be reported.
On March 27, three days later, true to the topic, he polished his thoughts on the subject:
I would fain make two reports in my Journal, first the incidents and observations of to-day; and by to-morrow I review the same and record what was omitted before, which will often be the most significant and poetic part. I do not know at first what it is that charms me. The men and things of to-day are wont to lie fairer and truer in to-morrow’s memory.
Above: Thoreau’s drawing of geese in formation, March 28, 1859