* Memoir as a genre is ancient: People have always told stories of their lives, even if they weren't written down. Cave paintings, oral traditions, and even personal letters all contribute to the lineage of memoir.
* Ancient examples exist: The earliest written examples of what we could call "memoirs" come from ancient civilizations. For instance, the Egyptian "Book of the Dead" (c. 1550 BCE) contains biographical elements and reflections on life and death, while the "Confessions" of St. Augustine (397 CE) are often considered a foundational work in the genre.
* The term "memoir" evolved: The term "memoir" itself, meaning "memory" or "record," has been around for centuries, but its specific use for a personal narrative emerged in the 17th century.
* Continuous development: From the personal journals of Renaissance figures to the more structured memoirs of the 18th and 19th centuries, the genre has continuously evolved.
In essence, memoir writing has always been a part of human expression. It's not about a single starting point but rather a long and rich history of people sharing their stories and perspectives.