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Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters
Memory is far more than a record of the past. In this groundbreaking tour of the mind and brain, one of the world’s top memory researchers reveals the powerful role memory plays in nearly every aspect of our lives, from recalling faces and names, to learning, decision-making, trauma and healing.
A new understanding of memory is emerging from the latest scientific research. In Why We Remember , pioneering neuroscientist and psychologist Charan Ranganath radically reframes the way we think about the everyday act of remembering. Combining accessible language with cutting-edge research, he reveals the surprising ways our brains record the past and how we use that information to understand who we are in the present, and to imagine and plan for the future.
Memory, Dr. Ranganath shows, is a highly transformative force that shapes how we experience the world in often invisible and sometimes destructive ways. Knowing this can help us with daily remembering tasks, like finding our keys, and with the challenge of memory loss as we age. What’s more, when we work with the brain’s ability to learn and reinterpret past events, we can heal trauma, shed our biases, learn faster, and grow in self-awareness.
Including fascinating studies and examples from pop culture, and drawing on Ranganath’s life as a scientist, father, and child of immigrants, Why We Remember is a captivating read that unveils the hidden role memory plays throughout our lives. When we understand its power-- and its quirks--we can cut through the clutter and remember the things we want to remember. We can make freer choices and plan a happier future.
A new understanding of memory is emerging from the latest scientific research. In Why We Remember , pioneering neuroscientist and psychologist Charan Ranganath radically reframes the way we think about the everyday act of remembering. Combining accessible language with cutting-edge research, he reveals the surprising ways our brains record the past and how we use that information to understand who we are in the present, and to imagine and plan for the future.
Memory, Dr. Ranganath shows, is a highly transformative force that shapes how we experience the world in often invisible and sometimes destructive ways. Knowing this can help us with daily remembering tasks, like finding our keys, and with the challenge of memory loss as we age. What’s more, when we work with the brain’s ability to learn and reinterpret past events, we can heal trauma, shed our biases, learn faster, and grow in self-awareness.
Including fascinating studies and examples from pop culture, and drawing on Ranganath’s life as a scientist, father, and child of immigrants, Why We Remember is a captivating read that unveils the hidden role memory plays throughout our lives. When we understand its power-- and its quirks--we can cut through the clutter and remember the things we want to remember. We can make freer choices and plan a happier future.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
About the author
Charan Ranganath
2 books40 followersCharan Ranganath is an affiliated faculty with the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience, which seeks to understand the function of the human brain in health and in illness. He is also director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis and is an affiliated faculty with the Center for Mind and Brain. His research involves the use of functional neuroimaging, electrophysiology and behavioral methods to study the neural basis of human memory and executive control.
He previously served as editor for the Cognitive Neuroscience Section of the journal NeuroImage, and currently serves as an editor for the Journal of Neuroscience, which is the most influential academically edited journal in the field of neuroscience.
Professor Ranganath has consulted for government and private funding agencies from several countries and has served on review panels for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
He previously served as editor for the Cognitive Neuroscience Section of the journal NeuroImage, and currently serves as an editor for the Journal of Neuroscience, which is the most influential academically edited journal in the field of neuroscience.
Professor Ranganath has consulted for government and private funding agencies from several countries and has served on review panels for the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 15, 2023
I read this book as a pre-release e-book obtained through NetGalley, provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
To put a succinct summary on it, in typical academic parlance, "More research is needed". Indeed, there was a lot to think about in this book, and it brought up other notions, hunches, or hypothesis. Such as, as the dopamine reward system is dampened among people with Alzheimer's, and is increased by curiosity and filling the information gap, perhaps part of dementia is boredom? Or, the amygdala being documented as larger in conservatives, who don't move out of their comfort zone (fear, perhaps), their anxiety exceeds their curiosity.
As someone who has been interested in learning more about how memories are formed, forgotten, modified – or how memories can be reframed because of some traumatic memories and learning what happens from neuroscientists who studied or treated me after a TBI 35 years ago, I learned a lot of updated information in this book. Indeed, all of neuroscience is advancing at a remarkable speed over the past few decades. Memory is neither long-term nor short-term, but rather episodic (tells a story in context) or semantic (gives information). Much of memory is recreated based on what we know about categories of things, perhaps with something in it which was surprising – unlike what we expect of things belonging to a category.
To put a succinct summary on it, in typical academic parlance, "More research is needed". Indeed, there was a lot to think about in this book, and it brought up other notions, hunches, or hypothesis. Such as, as the dopamine reward system is dampened among people with Alzheimer's, and is increased by curiosity and filling the information gap, perhaps part of dementia is boredom? Or, the amygdala being documented as larger in conservatives, who don't move out of their comfort zone (fear, perhaps), their anxiety exceeds their curiosity.
As someone who has been interested in learning more about how memories are formed, forgotten, modified – or how memories can be reframed because of some traumatic memories and learning what happens from neuroscientists who studied or treated me after a TBI 35 years ago, I learned a lot of updated information in this book. Indeed, all of neuroscience is advancing at a remarkable speed over the past few decades. Memory is neither long-term nor short-term, but rather episodic (tells a story in context) or semantic (gives information). Much of memory is recreated based on what we know about categories of things, perhaps with something in it which was surprising – unlike what we expect of things belonging to a category.
July 22, 2024
I don't read a lot of non-fiction like this but I was intrigued by the concept and wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit. I think the brain is endlessly fascinating, and this book continued to prove that to me.
It's written in a surprisingly approachable way (yes, there are big words and lots of info about parts of the brain/scientific terminology—but I really commend the author for simplifying these concepts for the common reader without it feeling watered down).
I also appreciated how this was written after decades of the author's career in the field; so many of the anecdotes or supporting case studies were things he personally was involved in which made it not only richer but also more personal.
Another thing the author did well was, at the end of each chapter, providing examples of where memory can betray us in some way, or some sort of downside to human memory, but then offering a solution or practice to counter that, as much as we possibly can. It felt like non-fiction that had a purpose other than someone having an interest in a topic and writing about it; much more applicable and helpful for someone like me.
Thanks to Doubleday for the review copy!
It's written in a surprisingly approachable way (yes, there are big words and lots of info about parts of the brain/scientific terminology—but I really commend the author for simplifying these concepts for the common reader without it feeling watered down).
I also appreciated how this was written after decades of the author's career in the field; so many of the anecdotes or supporting case studies were things he personally was involved in which made it not only richer but also more personal.
Another thing the author did well was, at the end of each chapter, providing examples of where memory can betray us in some way, or some sort of downside to human memory, but then offering a solution or practice to counter that, as much as we possibly can. It felt like non-fiction that had a purpose other than someone having an interest in a topic and writing about it; much more applicable and helpful for someone like me.
Thanks to Doubleday for the review copy!
February 1, 2024
Why We Remember gives readers some detail into the anatomy of the brain and a deeper dive into how memory works. This is my first book hyper focused on memory, it was interesting to read about the different triggers to how and what we remember. The examples given in the book were realistic and I often found myself thinking, "Yes, I've done this...".
The reason for lower rating however, is due to how the material was presented. I felt like I was reading a text book, which at times, made it harder to get through certain sections. This personal feeling aside, I am walking away from this book knowing more about the power of memory and how it influences our daily lives.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The reason for lower rating however, is due to how the material was presented. I felt like I was reading a text book, which at times, made it harder to get through certain sections. This personal feeling aside, I am walking away from this book knowing more about the power of memory and how it influences our daily lives.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 29, 2024
This brilliant book completely changed the way this reader will think about remembering.
Written by a clinical psychologist who is also a neurologist, the author offers a sweeping perspective on memory : what it is and how it works (or why we remember); how we use memory to orient ourselves, shaping our everyday identity and perceptions; and finally, how memory transcends the individual as it informs (or even misinforms) cultures, nations and social structures.
For this reader, this fascinating look at the mystery that is our mind, - past, present and future - is now forevermore tied up with the magic of memory, and the insights offered by this wonderful book.
Perhaps most enthralling of all is the most basic concept - the author’s clear and compelling explanation of the inner handshake between episodic memory (or memory of context-specific historical events), and our semantic memory (memory of facts, or general knowledge) when it comes to retrieving (or re-building) a memory.
When we retrieve a memory of an event from our past, the most advanced areas of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) engage the hippocampus (the memory coordinator) with a contextual cue, which begins the process of recreating a specific internal experience based on what we know and understand now (our semantic knowledge) of the people, places, and actions connected to the specific memory. This semantic knowledge is based on our current schemas - our blueprints for the world as we know it (today, in the present) - details of which are stored across our neocortex, and are continuously being modified as we learn and grow.
A memory is, in this way, our thinking about the past, but to our brain it is exactly as if we are re-experiencing it.
The implications of this are massive, - a memory is not a rewind of a static event, stored in its entirety in our head , but is a present day retelling, based on our current understanding of the world, and bits of context surrounding it. The memory is recast, uniquely, every time we remember, and is laid down anew. What we end up remembering then has everything to do with who we are (how we identify with the world); what we feel (our biases and emotions, particularly as related to the memory); our biology, health and functioning neurology; and scores of other factors we are just beginning to understand.
Memory, as the author explains it, is our consciousness - repositioned to a time and a place in the past. A prioritized bit of experience we have captured, (given our biological limitations ) because, for various reasons it was deemed important, and still is. So that we can understand our present world more broadly, (through our past), make predictions and set expectations for the future, inspire curiosity, be alerted to the unexpected, and be prepared to react accordingly.
With clarity and simplicity, the author tackles all these constructs and concepts (and more, so much more) shaping them into surprisingly understandable kernels of knowledge, woven into a broadly illuminating text that is quite literally mind-altering.
With so much to offer (and so much for this reader to learn) this brilliant book must and will be reread.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Written by a clinical psychologist who is also a neurologist, the author offers a sweeping perspective on memory : what it is and how it works (or why we remember); how we use memory to orient ourselves, shaping our everyday identity and perceptions; and finally, how memory transcends the individual as it informs (or even misinforms) cultures, nations and social structures.
For this reader, this fascinating look at the mystery that is our mind, - past, present and future - is now forevermore tied up with the magic of memory, and the insights offered by this wonderful book.
Perhaps most enthralling of all is the most basic concept - the author’s clear and compelling explanation of the inner handshake between episodic memory (or memory of context-specific historical events), and our semantic memory (memory of facts, or general knowledge) when it comes to retrieving (or re-building) a memory.
When we retrieve a memory of an event from our past, the most advanced areas of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) engage the hippocampus (the memory coordinator) with a contextual cue, which begins the process of recreating a specific internal experience based on what we know and understand now (our semantic knowledge) of the people, places, and actions connected to the specific memory. This semantic knowledge is based on our current schemas - our blueprints for the world as we know it (today, in the present) - details of which are stored across our neocortex, and are continuously being modified as we learn and grow.
A memory is, in this way, our thinking about the past, but to our brain it is exactly as if we are re-experiencing it.
The implications of this are massive, - a memory is not a rewind of a static event, stored in its entirety in our head , but is a present day retelling, based on our current understanding of the world, and bits of context surrounding it. The memory is recast, uniquely, every time we remember, and is laid down anew. What we end up remembering then has everything to do with who we are (how we identify with the world); what we feel (our biases and emotions, particularly as related to the memory); our biology, health and functioning neurology; and scores of other factors we are just beginning to understand.
Memory, as the author explains it, is our consciousness - repositioned to a time and a place in the past. A prioritized bit of experience we have captured, (given our biological limitations ) because, for various reasons it was deemed important, and still is. So that we can understand our present world more broadly, (through our past), make predictions and set expectations for the future, inspire curiosity, be alerted to the unexpected, and be prepared to react accordingly.
With clarity and simplicity, the author tackles all these constructs and concepts (and more, so much more) shaping them into surprisingly understandable kernels of knowledge, woven into a broadly illuminating text that is quite literally mind-altering.
With so much to offer (and so much for this reader to learn) this brilliant book must and will be reread.
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
August 18, 2024
My #1 pop science pet peeve: "studies say." Studies say all kinds of stupid stuff! If the author's not going to discuss the methodology and any contradicting results, it's not worth bringing up "studies" at all!
So in a good way, this is NOT a "studies say" book. We get the important details on most of the referenced studies. Dr. Ranganath tells us which hypotheses are well-supported and which have only preliminary evidence. We really get the sense that we're listening to an expert in the field.
Ok so it's solid. I'd give it a 3. Here's what takes it to a 4:
- Memory is so fascinating! I wasn't on the edge of my seat while reading, but I have been thinking about the concepts a lot! "Aha I'm using my semantic memory to find my keys."
- The chapters are actually different from each other. In a lot of pop science books, each chapter is a slightly different way to hammer home the same point. Not this one! New conclusions are in every chapter. Sometimes I felt bored, but I was able to push to the next chapter where I'd get interested again.
So in a good way, this is NOT a "studies say" book. We get the important details on most of the referenced studies. Dr. Ranganath tells us which hypotheses are well-supported and which have only preliminary evidence. We really get the sense that we're listening to an expert in the field.
Ok so it's solid. I'd give it a 3. Here's what takes it to a 4:
- Memory is so fascinating! I wasn't on the edge of my seat while reading, but I have been thinking about the concepts a lot! "Aha I'm using my semantic memory to find my keys."
- The chapters are actually different from each other. In a lot of pop science books, each chapter is a slightly different way to hammer home the same point. Not this one! New conclusions are in every chapter. Sometimes I felt bored, but I was able to push to the next chapter where I'd get interested again.
May 9, 2024
[ audio ]
It was fine.
I been on a blah streak recently. It might be me. I don’t know.
It was fine.
I been on a blah streak recently. It might be me. I don’t know.
May 16, 2024
The human brain is not a memorization machine, it is a thinking machine.
March 10, 2024
Obviously inspired by his famous colleague Matthew Walker; Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams Ranganath gave it a go for memory research; as far as popular (neuro)science writing goes this is a rather average accomplishment; a well respected midlife professor recounts his way to his current tenured position citing his own work and undertaking myriad forays into the field of memory research, citing the at times underwhelming work of his national and international colleagues.
January 24, 2024
Why We Remember is a well-researched, accessible explanation of how (and why) we form memories. The author combines study results and personal anecdotes to discuss long-term and short-term memories, the catalysts for creating, storing, and retrieving memories — and how common factors like stress and intense emotion likely bias what we remember.
In all, Why We Remember is a fascinating and deep dive into the brain and how it works. Scientists learn more every year about how the brain processes information — and this book explains the current thinking about how we form memories and how those memories then form us.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
In all, Why We Remember is a fascinating and deep dive into the brain and how it works. Scientists learn more every year about how the brain processes information — and this book explains the current thinking about how we form memories and how those memories then form us.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
February 23, 2024
Charan's writing is fantastic, and for a learning book he really comes with the receipts. The page count is a bit misleading if you think it's as long as it says because Bibliography (citing his sources) is very dense. So Goodreads is gonna award me with more pages real than in actuality lol. Props for it not being pretentious. I was recommended this on Apple Books and it delivered. This is a mildly entertaining read full of knowledge and it is not written by a snake oil salesman self help guru, but instead written by a lifelong scientist in his field with credibility. My doctor only talks to me for five minutes and tells me to take an Advil, but this guy wrote a book. Not like one's better or worse, of course.
March 27, 2024
I found this book fascinating and assume that almost all people who read would since this is about how memory works, when it doesn't work, and a bit about how it works - at least what is known at the present. This is explained in what I suspect at times is simplified but at a graspable level with examples from real life. When memory doesn't work as it should, there are also some examples and what was learned. I think the most reassuring aspect of this book is most of us are doing better than we think. Our little lapses are typical as memory was never meant to literally record everything. Given that memory is unreliable and this book gives some tips on verifying memories and realizing what influences memories. My rating is 5 stars because not only did I learn a lot, I know have interesting ideas to talk about from reading this.
June 24, 2024
I’m a sucker for anything about memory, with which I’ve been fascinated for decades. Charan Ranganath recounts much recent research showing that memory is far more than a record of the past. The book concerns how memories are formed and how they change over time, as well as imagination, deja vu, and false memories. Recalling the common sci-fi trope of traveling back in time to change the present, Ranganath shows that memory allows us to do exactly that. No, you can’t prevent an assassination or change your parents, but we can and do change ourselves as a result of how we remember.
Ranganath is a Professor of Psychology, faculty member of Center for Mind and Brain, and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis. He’s also a good storyteller. Ranganath narrates the audiobook and is most pleasant to listen to.
If you’re not into audio, note that the Kindle edition is currently on sale for $5.99 (as of late June, 2024).
Ranganath is a Professor of Psychology, faculty member of Center for Mind and Brain, and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis. He’s also a good storyteller. Ranganath narrates the audiobook and is most pleasant to listen to.
If you’re not into audio, note that the Kindle edition is currently on sale for $5.99 (as of late June, 2024).
September 14, 2024
Why We Remember is a book about memory. Dr. Charan Ranganath wrote it based on his studies into the intricacies of memory. I’ve read a few books on memory, from mnemonic devices to where memories end up in the brain.
The title implies that remembering is a surprising aspect of our memory and details why. As people, we are inundated with a massive amount of information every day. Our brains get assaulted with sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations every waking minute. We filter out a lot of information through attention.
Ranganath covers all aspects of memory, from how it works correctly to how it goes wrong.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
The title implies that remembering is a surprising aspect of our memory and details why. As people, we are inundated with a massive amount of information every day. Our brains get assaulted with sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations every waking minute. We filter out a lot of information through attention.
Ranganath covers all aspects of memory, from how it works correctly to how it goes wrong.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
March 12, 2024
4.5 stars. Interesting information that everyone should read! What we remember is not always accurate for many different reasons and explains why people confess when not committing a crime, we believe that things that never happened are real and why people may have certain beliefs about politicians…so much good stuff to contemplate.
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June 13, 2024The book is ok. Thnx for writing it!
Personally, I can't say I learned much. Most of the stuff in the book I already knew, or wasn't particularly impressive or groundbreaking.
My pet peeve is noticing how the author genuflects to the wokist orthodoxy of the day. Kinda like reading medieval texts and having to leaf through the proofs that the god "exists" in three hypostasis or math books from Soviet times spending a few pages on the soon to come world revolution.
Sad, but I guess that's just business as usual.
Personally, I can't say I learned much. Most of the stuff in the book I already knew, or wasn't particularly impressive or groundbreaking.
My pet peeve is noticing how the author genuflects to the wokist orthodoxy of the day. Kinda like reading medieval texts and having to leaf through the proofs that the god "exists" in three hypostasis or math books from Soviet times spending a few pages on the soon to come world revolution.
Sad, but I guess that's just business as usual.
September 22, 2024
I highly recommend this book! I started listening to it on Libby and then I forgot… and had to check it out again! 🤣
- Humans are terrible at remembering things. And that’s okay.
- When we are recalling things, what we are doing in the present impacts our retelling of the past. Our past, present and future are all connected.
-Memories are also equal parts imagination.
- We can “use our past to guide us towards a better future!”
- Humans are terrible at remembering things. And that’s okay.
- When we are recalling things, what we are doing in the present impacts our retelling of the past. Our past, present and future are all connected.
-Memories are also equal parts imagination.
- We can “use our past to guide us towards a better future!”
February 16, 2024
"Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold On to What Matters" by Charan Ranganath is a captivating exploration of the intricate workings of human memory and its profound impact on our lives. In this insightful book, Ranganath, a leading neuroscientist, delves into the fascinating mechanisms behind how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved, offering readers a deeper understanding of this essential cognitive function.
One of the book's strengths lies in its accessibility. Ranganath adeptly translates complex scientific concepts into language that is both engaging and understandable for a wide audience. Whether discussing the role of neural networks in memory consolidation or the influence of emotions on recollection, he presents information in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with neuroscience.
Moreover, "Why We Remember" is not merely a dry recitation of facts and theories; it is filled with real-world examples and anecdotes that bring the science to life. Through case studies and personal stories, Ranganath illustrates how memory shapes our identities, relationships, and sense of self. These narratives add depth and resonance to the book, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
Ultimately, "Why We Remember" offers more than just a scientific exploration of memory; it invites readers to reflect on the profound significance of memory in their own lives. By shedding light on the mysteries of memory, Ranganath empowers readers to harness its power to cherish the moments that matter most. Whether you're a student of neuroscience or simply curious about the inner workings of the mind, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
One of the book's strengths lies in its accessibility. Ranganath adeptly translates complex scientific concepts into language that is both engaging and understandable for a wide audience. Whether discussing the role of neural networks in memory consolidation or the influence of emotions on recollection, he presents information in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with neuroscience.
Moreover, "Why We Remember" is not merely a dry recitation of facts and theories; it is filled with real-world examples and anecdotes that bring the science to life. Through case studies and personal stories, Ranganath illustrates how memory shapes our identities, relationships, and sense of self. These narratives add depth and resonance to the book, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
Ultimately, "Why We Remember" offers more than just a scientific exploration of memory; it invites readers to reflect on the profound significance of memory in their own lives. By shedding light on the mysteries of memory, Ranganath empowers readers to harness its power to cherish the moments that matter most. Whether you're a student of neuroscience or simply curious about the inner workings of the mind, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
May 10, 2024
A bit too simplified but still interesting.
February 29, 2024
9/10
Wow, what a fun read about memory!
Ranganath starts the book with a simple explanation of how memory works and the neuroscience behind it. What I found particularly intriguing was Ranganath's emphasis not only on the significance of the hippocampus in memory but also on the pivotal role the prefrontal cortex plays in our memory processes. In my experience with other books on memory, authors often overlook the prefrontal cortex (PFC), so I valued Ranganath's thorough exploration of its functions.
- Note: there is obvious discussion about the neocortex's overall involvement in the memory process but this is the first time I've read a book where an Author gives sole praise and recognition to the PFC.
What fascinated me the most was the chapter on memory and imagination. The connection between memory and imagination is truly astonishing to me; our imagination is built upon our memory, and conversely, our memory is shaped by our imagination. In other words, we perceive events not as they actually occurred but rather as we imagined them to have happened.
I only have two pieces of criticism:
1. It would be nice to include a graphic of the brain for readers who are new to the subject, which based on his writing seems like that's his demographic.
2. At the beginning of the book, Ranganath distinguishes between why we remember and how we remember. He then proceeds to explain that the book primarily focuses on why we remember (hence the title). Personally, the book felt more like an exploration of "how we remember" rather than "why we remember." I understand that you can't discuss the "why" without first discussing the "how" but just an observation that I made while reading.
Overall, really interesting stuff. A great read if you're interested in learning more about memory and want an easily digestible book.
Wow, what a fun read about memory!
Ranganath starts the book with a simple explanation of how memory works and the neuroscience behind it. What I found particularly intriguing was Ranganath's emphasis not only on the significance of the hippocampus in memory but also on the pivotal role the prefrontal cortex plays in our memory processes. In my experience with other books on memory, authors often overlook the prefrontal cortex (PFC), so I valued Ranganath's thorough exploration of its functions.
- Note: there is obvious discussion about the neocortex's overall involvement in the memory process but this is the first time I've read a book where an Author gives sole praise and recognition to the PFC.
What fascinated me the most was the chapter on memory and imagination. The connection between memory and imagination is truly astonishing to me; our imagination is built upon our memory, and conversely, our memory is shaped by our imagination. In other words, we perceive events not as they actually occurred but rather as we imagined them to have happened.
I only have two pieces of criticism:
1. It would be nice to include a graphic of the brain for readers who are new to the subject, which based on his writing seems like that's his demographic.
2. At the beginning of the book, Ranganath distinguishes between why we remember and how we remember. He then proceeds to explain that the book primarily focuses on why we remember (hence the title). Personally, the book felt more like an exploration of "how we remember" rather than "why we remember." I understand that you can't discuss the "why" without first discussing the "how" but just an observation that I made while reading.
Overall, really interesting stuff. A great read if you're interested in learning more about memory and want an easily digestible book.
June 8, 2024
kind of a pop-science book that surveys old and new research about memory—something that particularly interest me because my memory is so god awful. (luckily for me, ranganath explains why remembering *everything* isn’t desirable.)
i was most interested in findings about memory’s connection to mental health and trauma; issues with AI and eyewitness testimony in identifying suspects (with disproportionately discriminatory effects on black americans); and tips on how to better remember stuff like where i put my frequently lost items and information retention for educational purposes. (friends studying for the bar: this book suggests that doing practice tests is more effective for learning than simply rereading notes repeatedly.)
i was most interested in findings about memory’s connection to mental health and trauma; issues with AI and eyewitness testimony in identifying suspects (with disproportionately discriminatory effects on black americans); and tips on how to better remember stuff like where i put my frequently lost items and information retention for educational purposes. (friends studying for the bar: this book suggests that doing practice tests is more effective for learning than simply rereading notes repeatedly.)
April 12, 2024
Summary:
Our memories profoundly shape our identities, relationships, and perception of reality – often without our conscious awareness. Factors such as attention, emotion, and context play key roles in memory formation. These mechanisms reveal why we retain vivid memories of some experiences and lose memories of others. Ultimately, embracing the social nature of memory and using strategies like retrieval practice can optimize our learning and help create a richer tapestry of shared human experiences.
Our memories profoundly shape our identities, relationships, and perception of reality – often without our conscious awareness. Factors such as attention, emotion, and context play key roles in memory formation. These mechanisms reveal why we retain vivid memories of some experiences and lose memories of others. Ultimately, embracing the social nature of memory and using strategies like retrieval practice can optimize our learning and help create a richer tapestry of shared human experiences.
June 24, 2024
Good on two levels.
Ranganath does a good job of laying out the differing but complementary roles of the Cortex and Hippocampus, though sometimes he dives a little more deeply into the research underlying his explanation.
For the layman like myself the areas he illuminated best were the degradation of memories over time, False Memories, the impact of memory on Learning, and Social Media’s effect on Memory. His conversational approach and use of storytelling made for an easy read.
Four stars. ****
Ranganath does a good job of laying out the differing but complementary roles of the Cortex and Hippocampus, though sometimes he dives a little more deeply into the research underlying his explanation.
For the layman like myself the areas he illuminated best were the degradation of memories over time, False Memories, the impact of memory on Learning, and Social Media’s effect on Memory. His conversational approach and use of storytelling made for an easy read.
Four stars. ****
June 25, 2024
(audiobook) Interesting read about what we know and still don't know about memory. Big takeaways were that context matters in determining what we remember and we are very susceptible to the spread of misinformation. I especially enjoyed the chapters on the treatment/management of intense emotions associated with the past, testing and learning, and sleep.
March 3, 2024
Although I am no doubt biased by my friendship with the author, I loved this well-written dive into both the history and present of memory research. Although the book provides an overview of many key scientific studies, it’s not hard to follow, and the author’s personal anecdotes are always illustrative of some key lesson about the brain’s inner workings.
Read
May 17, 2024DNF
Want to read
July 17, 2024The review to read is Dr. Jerome Groopman's at the NYer, May 20, 2024. Which the increasingly less-useful Google can't seem to find. I'll post a link later.
September 21, 2024
Very accessible and well-written. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2024
A little outdated in some respects, but altogether a very clear book about the mystery of memory.
September 27, 2024
Good book, topical. But tbh I don’t remember a lot of my thoughts 😂
September 11, 2024
this was fine
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