The Most Interesting Facts about Memory

Since ancient times people have always tried to understand what memory is. Various interpretations and metaphors have been used to describe this phenomenon. Even today, some people compare our memory to a wide closet containing many folders for storing information. Others claim that it resembles a computer with enormous capacity and speed. But scientists have proven that it’s much more complicated than that.

Our memory is not in any particular part of our brain. It works because of the combined action of many areas of the brain. It is not something that can be seen or touched. Let’s move on to a simple example for a better understanding. When driving a car, we can distinguish several areas of the brain that are responsible for this process: the memory of using the car, the memory of how to get from the starting point to the destination, the memory of the road traffic systems, etc.

It is common knowledge that there are two types of memory: short-term and long-term memory. They differ in the way they are coded and stored in our brain. The storage areas are also different. Unfortunately, we don’t know much about how our memory works, but it is still certain that memory can be easily trained and improved. If not exercised, it will gradually get worse.
Scientists confirm that human memory has no limits. An adult can remember up to a hundred thousand words. In addition, there are many people who have enormous memories.

1. Bill Gates knows hundreds of codes for the programming language he developed.
2. Mozart could play and write the melody he had once heard.
3. Winston Churchill knew almost all of Shakespeare’s works by heart.
4. Alexander the Great knew all the names of his soldiers.
5. Dominic O’Brien managed to remember the location of the entire package card in 38 seconds.

Memory is individual. Some people see visual information better. It is easier for others to remember what they have heard. Thus we can differentiate between visual and auditory memory. Emotions also play an important role in remembering and retrieving data. An emotional touch can bring back long-forgotten memories.

Your learning skills depend on the ability to memorize. To make your learning process more effective, you need to determine the easiest way to perceive the information.