“Although representations of traumatic events (such as flashbulb memories) are not wholly immune to error and distortion, evidence suggests that negative and stressful experiences lead to a reduction of the structural plasticity. This may support the idea that the normal function of memory is to form constructive, plastic memories since, in cases of traumatic memories, the memory system as a whole loses plasticity and is, as a result, far less efficient. If our memories would not be modified according to the present or prospective future, a discrepancy would emerge. If memories were to represent the past exactly, representation of the past would not let us absorb changes. Since the present itself is in perpetual change, the memory of the past must have the same dynamic nature.” – Tzofit Ofengenden, “Memory Formation and Belief”