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Why We Remember
- The Science of Memory and How It Shapes Us
- Narrated by: Charan Ranganath, Mark Deakins
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
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Summary
We talk about memory as a record of the past, but here's a surprising twist: we aren't supposed to remember everything. In fact, we're designed to forget.
We talk about memory as a record of the past, but here's a surprising twist: we aren't supposed to remember everything. In fact, we're designed to forget. Over the course of twenty-five years, Charan Ranganath has studied the seemingly selective and unreliable nature of human memory to find that our brains haven't evolved to keep a comprehensive record of events, but to extract the information needed to guide our futures.
Using fascinating case studies and testimonies, Why We Remember unveils the principles behind what and why we forget and shines new light on the silent, pervasive influence of memory on how we learn, heal and make decisions. By examining the role that attention, intention, imagination and emotion play in the storing of memories, it provides a vital user's guide to remembering what we hold most dear.
Critic reviews
'Radically new and engaging.' MATTHEW WALKER
'Ranganath turns much of what we think we know about memory on its head.' DANIEL J. LEVITIN
What listeners say about Why We Remember
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- Robert C Walters
- 13-03-24
the research based conclusions to memory and how it changes over time
the fact that the author wasn't trying to pedantic over conclusions but more interested as a scientist to provoke the appropriate questins
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- Derrick
- 27-03-24
Very accessible, very thought provoking
I really liked this.
This book explains the development of one scientist's understanding of how memory works through a 30 year career; both from his own research and his (almost exclusively US-based) peers, but with reference to the "giants" upon whose shoulders all scientists stand.
It is very accessible, with what little techno-jargon there is being sufficient for you to follow the science. He uses very human examples of his and others' experiences that bring that science to life.
I might go so far as to say I found it important. He describes how memories are curated by one's brain, how they can be influenced and how (very properly as well as improperly) are amended over time. He shows how revisiting and processing memories and experiences can make them positive as well as negative influences on how one makes decisions and choices in the present and future. I am middle-aged and it made me reflect upon how my memories of past events have influenced my behaviour and life choices.
All this in a 7 hour audio book ! Well written, well read, I think this is a wonderful explanation of a fascinating area of science; one which I am recommending to two friends whom I think would find it valuable.
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- Dr S Green
- 13-04-24
This taught me to think differently about memories
I was fascinated to hear all about the multitude of research studies in this area. As a retired GP in the UK, I know that we know far too little about the importance of sleep. I wish I had known more about how best to learn when I was a teenager.
I would’ve actually preferred the author to have narrated the entire book, but guess he is too busy with his research!
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