We often rely on memory, which is flawed from "summary" of Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph T. Hallinan
Our memory is not as reliable as we might think. It's not like a video recorder that perfectly captures every detail of an event. Instead, our memory is more like a faulty tape that can easily be warped and distorted over time. One reason for this is that our brains are constantly trying to make sense of the world around us. When we experience something, our brains don't just passively record the information - they actively interpret and analyze it. This means that our memories are not always an accurate reflection of what actually happened. Another factor that contributes to the unreliability of our memory is something called "source amnesia." This is when we remember a piece of information, but can't remember where or how we learned it. This can lead to us mistakenly attributing a memory to the wrong source, or even creating false memories altogether. Our memories are also highly susceptible to suggestion. When we are exposed to new information or ideas, our brains can easily incorporate these into our existing memories, changing them in the process. This can lead to what is known as "memory conformity," where our memories are influenced by the memories of others. In addition, our memories are also subject to what is known as "retroactive interference." This is when new information interferes with our ability to remember old information. For example, if someone tells us a different version of an event that we experienced, it can be difficult for us to remember the original version accurately. Given all of these factors, it's no wonder that our memories are so unreliable. We often rely on our memory to make decisions and judgments, but we need to be aware of its limitations. By understanding the flaws in our memory, we can take steps to minimize the impact they have on our lives.
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