Worklife with Adam Grant The science of memory with Charan Ranganath
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Mar 26, 2024 
Charan Ranganath, a psychologist and neuroscientist who directs the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis, dives into the intricacies of memory. He discusses why we remember certain things while forgetting others and how learning occurs. Charan unpacks the pitfalls of common memory enhancement techniques and the portrayal of memory in media. He also examines the emotional toll of life changes on memory and identity, as well as the pandemic's impact on our recollections, emphasizing curiosity and engagement for better memory retention.
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Memory's True Function
- The primary function of memory isn't recalling the past but using it for present actions and future predictions.
- Forgetting is beneficial because it allows us to prioritize important information for present and future use.
The Importance of Forgetting
- Forgetting is a crucial aspect of memory, allowing us to focus on relevant information.
- Similar to how our brains prioritize high-quality visual input, our memory prioritizes quality over quantity.
How to Forget
- To forget a memory, actively suppress its retrieval by telling yourself not to think about it.
- This act of inhibition can make the memory less accessible and potentially blur its details over time.
