Future Tense Forgetting, not memory, moves us forward
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May 22, 2025 
In this intriguing discussion, David Rieff, a writer and journalist, unpacks how forgetting can sometimes be a safer response to global issues. Scott Small, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, emphasizes the benefits of normal forgetting for brain health. Oliver Hardt, a psychology professor, explores the balance between memory retention and the necessity of forgetting, hinting at how excessive memories can hinder creativity. Together, they reveal how science is reshaping our understanding of memory dynamics, advocating for the power of forgetting in personal and collective contexts.
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Forgetting Curve in Memory Science
- The scientific study of memory started with forgetting, shown by the "forgetting curve".
- Rapid loss of memories happens soon after learning, and then slows down, applicable to many species.
Forgetting's Brain Role
- Forgetting is a natural, beneficial process balancing memory to live smarter and happier.
- Brain mechanisms actively construct and disassemble memories, making forgetting essential, not failure.
Why Brain Forgets Excess Memory
- The brain encodes everything because it can't predict future significance.
- Forgetting clears brain clutter to avoid handicapping normal behavior.
