Meaning: The quote you've mentioned is from Hermann Ebbinghaus, a German psychologist known for his pioneering work on memory. In this quote, Ebbinghaus reflects on the relationship between memory and everyday life, highlighting the temporary disconnection between the two and emphasizing the significance of memory's close connection to the complexities and fluctuations of life.

Ebbinghaus's statement can be interpreted in several ways, each shedding light on the intricate nature of human memory and its interaction with our experiences. To begin with, Ebbinghaus's mention of the "connection with the activity of memory in ordinary life" being "for the moment lost" underscores the transient nature of memory's engagement with our daily activities. This could refer to moments when we forget something momentarily, or when our memory fails to retain certain details due to various factors such as stress, fatigue, or distractions.

Moreover, Ebbinghaus suggests that the temporary loss of connection between memory and everyday activities may not be as significant as the opposite phenomenon - the close and intricate tie between memory and the complexities of life. This implies that while we may experience temporary lapses in memory in our daily lives, the profound influence of our experiences on memory remains deeply entrenched.

Ebbinghaus's insight into the connection between memory and life's complexities aligns with his groundbreaking research on memory processes. Ebbinghaus is best known for his experiments on the nature of memory, particularly his pioneering work on the learning curve and the forgetting curve. Through these experiments, he uncovered fundamental principles of memory retention and forgetting, laying the groundwork for the scientific study of memory.

The quote also touches upon the intricate interplay between memory and the ebb and flow of life's experiences. Ebbinghaus seems to suggest that while memory may momentarily disconnect from our immediate activities, it remains intricately intertwined with the broader tapestry of our lives. This notion resonates with the concept of autobiographical memory, which encompasses the recollection of personal experiences and events, and the ways in which they shape our identity and understanding of the world.

Ebbinghaus's quote also invites contemplation on the adaptive nature of memory. Despite the temporary lapses in memory that may occur in day-to-day life, our memory continually adjusts and responds to the complexities and fluctuations of our experiences. This adaptive quality of memory allows us to navigate and make sense of the ever-changing landscape of our lives, drawing on past experiences to inform our present actions and decisions.

In summary, Hermann Ebbinghaus's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between memory and everyday life. It underscores the transient nature of memory's connection to our immediate activities while emphasizing the enduring and intricate tie between memory and the complexities of life. Ebbinghaus's insights continue to resonate in the field of psychology, enriching our understanding of memory and its vital role in shaping our experiences and perceptions.