In a German film of 1944 ("Die Feuerzangenbowle") there's an apt quotation i really like:
"True are only the memories we carry in us, the dreams we dream and the desires which drive us. Therewith we want to characterize us" - hope it's translated correctly :)

I think this is what describes our own life the best and what makes us all different. Our memories (the past experiences), our dreams (wishes for the future) and our desire (aspiration and inspiration).