"The past grows gradually around one, like a placenta for dying"

This quote by John Berger speaks with the concept that our previous experiences and memories can become a protective barrier that we carry with us throughout our lives. The metaphor of a placenta for passing away recommends that our past can be a source of convenience and security, providing us with a sense of safety and familiarity as we move through life. It can likewise be a reminder of our mortality, as the placenta is a reminder of the fragility of life. The idea of the previous slowly growing around us implies that our past experiences and memories can become a part of our identity, forming who we are and how we interact with the world. It can be a source of strength and resilience, but it can likewise be a source of discomfort and suffering. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the idea that our past can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain, and that it is something that we should learn to cope with and accept.