Our memories are fallible from "summary" of Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer
Our memories are fallible. We like to think of our memories as being reliable and accurate, like a video recorder that captures every detail of our lives. But the truth is, our memories are far from perfect. They are prone to errors, distortions, and omissions. Memory, it turns out, is not so much a recording device as it is a reconstruction process. When we remember something, we are not simply retrieving a pristine memory from our brains. Instead, we are piecing together fragments of information that we have stored over time, and filling in the gaps with our own interpretations, emotions, and biases. Numerous studies have shown just how easily our memories can be manipulated and distorted. We are susceptible to false memories, where we remember events that never actually happened. Our memories can also be influenced by suggestion, leading us to remember things in a way that aligns with what others have told us. Our memories are also subject to decay over time. As memories age, they can become less accurate and more prone to distortion. Details may fade, and the overall gist of an event may be preserved, but the specifics can become muddled. In the face of these limitations, it is important to be aware of the fallibility of our memories. We should approach our recollections with a healthy dose of skepticism, and not take them at face value. By understanding the ways in which our memories can be flawed, we can better guard against errors and inaccuracies in our thinking and decision-making.
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