Worklife with Adam Grant
The science of memory with Charan Ranganath
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.
42:46
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Quick takeaways
- Memory is not about recalling every detail of the past, but about using past experiences to plan for the future.
- Forgetting can be beneficial as long as it allows individuals to focus on the right memories, prioritizing quality over quantity in processing information.
Deep dives
The Purpose of Memory: Planning the Future
Memory isn't about recalling every detail of the past, but about using past experiences to plan for the future. Charan Ranganath, a psychologist and neuroscientist, challenges the common assumption that the function of memory is to remember everything. Instead, memory is crucial for anticipating the future, generating predictions, and planning. Individuals with memory issues face challenges in everyday functions like conversations and navigation, emphasizing the essential role memory plays in daily life.
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