"Thus one memory follows another until the waves dash together over our heads, and a deep sigh swells the breast, which warns us that we have forgotten to breathe in the midst of these pure thoughts"

This evocative quote by Max Muller captures the ephemeral and typically overwhelming nature of memory and introspection. At its core, the passage shows how memories can waterfall upon one another, much like waves in an ocean, producing a gush of recollection that can inundate our conscious minds.

The images of "waves rush together over our heads" recommends a powerful force of interconnected memories that can engulf us, leaving us for a short time disoriented and submerged within a sea of reflection. This metaphor suggests that our minds, like the vastness of the ocean, hold depths of experiences that can resurface unpredictably. When memories connect flawlessly, one resulting in another, it can stimulate strong emotions, almost rendering us breathless in their strength.

The "deep sigh" represents an emotional release-- a physical manifestation of the myriad feelings these memories can evoke. It highlights the profound impact this mental journey has on us. When Muller discusses that "we have actually forgotten to breathe", it recommends moments of profound contemplation where one becomes so immersed in the purity of ideas and memories that the physical act of breathing ends up being secondary. This phrase highlights the intensity and purity of the recollections, suggesting that such reflections can transfer us far from the ordinary, immersing us totally in the world of thought.

The quote speaks with the human experience of fond memories, where moments from the past can increase to the leading edge of our consciousness, requiring our attention and stimulating deep-seated feelings. This meditative immersion can be both uplifting and overwhelming, highlighting our fundamental connection to our past and the psychological weight it brings.

In essence, Muller poetically records how memories can flood our consciousness, rendering us for a little while removed from reality, and discussing the tranquil and sometimes frustrating beauty of self-questioning.