Memory is not fixed from "summary" of Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Memory, it turns out, is not fixed. It is not a tape recorder or a video camera, faithfully preserving our experiences for posterity. Instead, it is a living, breathing thing, constantly evolving and reshaping itself. As we revisit memories, we alter them, whether consciously or not, adding new details, omitting others, and even inventing things that never actually happened.
Our memories are not like files stored neatly in a filing cabinet, waiting to be retrieved at will. They are more like stories we tell ourselves, stories that change each time we tell them. The act of remembering is not a passive process; it is an active one, involving not just retrieval but also reconstruction. Our memories are malleable, susceptible to suggestion and distortion, influenced by our beliefs, emotions, and even outside influences.
Research has shown that memories are not stored in a single location in the brain, but are distributed across a network of neurons. When we recall a memory, we are essentially reconstructing it from bits and pieces scattered throughout the brain. This process is not foolproof; memories can be inaccurate, incomplete, or even completely false. Our minds are not perfect recorders of the past; they are imperfect storytellers, weaving together fact and fiction in a never-ending narrative.
Memory is not a static entity, frozen in time. It is a dynamic process, constantly changing and adapting to new information and experiences. The more we revisit a memory, the more it can change, becoming less reliable with each retelling. This phenomenon, known as memory distortion, has been well-documented in psychological research.
So, the next time you find yourself reminiscing about the past, remember that what you are recalling is not a faithful reproduction of events, but a reconstruction colored by your own biases and perceptions. Memory is not fixed; it is fluid, flexible, and always in flux. It is a fascinating, complex phenomenon that continues to defy our understanding.
