Total Recall is a classic sci-fi action movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who dreams of visiting Mars.
Set in a dystopian future, Quaid becomes entangled in a complex plot when he undergoes a memory-implant procedure meant to give him the experience of a lifetime.
However, things go awry when the procedure unlocks real memories of Quaid’s past life as a secret agent named Hauser.
As Quaid struggles to piece together his true identity, he travels to Mars and encounters various characters, including Kuato, the leader of the mutant resistance.
Kuato, a mutant with psychic abilities, is physically conjoined to the torso of another man. This grotesque yet wise figure helps Quaid unlock the secrets buried in his mind.
Here is a brief dialogue from the scene:
- Kuato : What do you want, Mr. Quaid?
- Douglas Quaid : The same as you; to remember.
- Kuato : But why?
- Douglas Quaid : To be myself again.
- Kuato : You are what you do. A man is defined by his actions, not his memory.
Let’s analyze it deeper.
1. The Quest for Identity
Kuato: What do you want, Mr. Quaid?
Douglas Quaid: The same as you; to remember.
Douglas Quaid’s response to Kuato’s question reveals a universal human desire: the quest for self-identity. Quaid’s yearning “to remember” signifies his struggle to reclaim his past, which he believes is crucial to understanding his true self. Memory is often perceived as the cornerstone of identity, the thread that weaves together the narrative of our lives. By seeking to remember, Quaid is attempting to reassemble the fragments of his life to restore his sense of self.
2. The Purpose of Memory
Kuato: But why?
Kuato’s simple yet profound question challenges the assumption that remembering is inherently valuable. It prompts a deeper reflection on the purpose and importance of memory. Why is it so essential to recall the past? Is it merely to know who we were, or does it serve a greater function in defining who we are and who we can become?
3. Self-Discovery and Authenticity
Douglas Quaid: To be myself again.
Quaid’s response underscores his belief that his true self is locked within his lost memories. He equates remembering with authenticity and self-discovery. This sentiment resonates with the idea that our experiences shape our identity, and without them, we are incomplete. Quaid’s journey is not just about reclaiming his past but about restoring his true essence and authenticity.
4. Actions vs. Memories
Kuato: You are what you do. A man is defined by his actions, not his memory.
Kuato’s statement is a powerful counterpoint to Quaid’s belief. It shifts the focus from memory to actions, suggesting that identity is not rooted in the past but in the present. According to Kuato, what truly defines a person is not their recollection of who they were but their current actions and decisions. This perspective emphasizes the role of free will and personal responsibility in shaping our identity. It implies that we are not prisoners of our past but active agents in the creation of our future selves.
The person you perceive yourself to be is shaped by the story you’ve been telling yourself based on the reference experiences you’ve encountered thus far. You are a product of the various environments you have been exposed to throughout your life up to now. Much of your personality has developed in response to these circumstances.
You can transcend your identity at any time by proactively placing yourself in new environments, gaining fresh reference experiences, and interpreting them to support your evolving beliefs and a new identity.
5. The Role of Habits in Shaping Identity
It’s not enough to simply remember or boast about past achievements; it’s how a person acts and behaves in the present that truly defines who they are. One’s deeds and behavior reflect their character and values.
This principle also underscores the significance of habits. Repeated behaviors eventually become ingrained in our identity, shaping everything from how we eat and speak to how we move. Our lives are essentially a collection of these habits, each one molding our character and influencing our daily experiences.
Habits are crucial in shaping our personality and actions. Over time, repeated behaviors become automatic, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and interactions. To transform your identity, focus on changing your habits.
6. Identity-Based Habits and Personal Development
By intentionally cultivating beneficial habits and breaking free from detrimental ones, we can actively shape our personalities and align our actions with our desired self-image. The extent to which a habit becomes context-independent and whether we maintain it long-term is closely tied to whether it has become deeply ingrained in our identity. For instance, individuals who identify as blood donors consistently donate blood, and avid readers always find time to read. Those who enjoy exercising will always find a way to exercise even if the gym or extra equipment is not readily available. Musicians persistently practice their instruments.
When a habit becomes an integral part of who you are, it transcends external circumstances and becomes independent of the context. Even if your habit is disrupted due to illness, vacation, injury, or any other unexpected life event, you will return to it as soon as circumstances allow. The painter won’t stop considering himself a painter if his art tools and studio are burned down in a fire. Habits not only define who you are in the present but also shape your future self.
7. The Philosophical Implications
The dialogue between Kuato and Quaid reflects a fundamental philosophical debate: Are we defined by our memories or by our actions? This question touches on existential and ethical considerations. Existentially, it challenges the notion of a fixed self, suggesting that identity is fluid and continuously shaped by our choices. Ethically, it raises questions about accountability and the essence of moral character. If we are defined by our actions, then what we do in the present moment is of utmost importance, regardless of our past.
8. Memory as a Tool, Not a Definition
Kuato’s assertion can also be interpreted to mean that memory serves as a tool rather than a definition of self. Memories can inform our decisions, provide lessons, and give context to our actions, but they do not ultimately determine who we are. This perspective aligns with the idea of personal growth and transformation. We are not bound by our past mistakes or successes; instead, we have the power to redefine ourselves through our actions.
Conclusion
The exchange between Kuato and Douglas Quaid in Total Recall encapsulates a deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of identity.
It challenges us to reconsider the role of memory in defining who we are and highlights the significance of our actions.
By understanding that “a man is defined by his actions, not his memory,” we can embrace a more dynamic and empowering view of selfhood, where the power to shape our identity lies in the choices we make every day.
Furthermore, by recognizing the critical role of habits in shaping our identity, we gain a practical approach to personal development, enabling us to transform ourselves through intentional and consistent actions.