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Why We Remember

By: Charan Ranganath
Narrated by: Charan Ranganath, Mark Deakins
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Summary

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Radically new and engaging.' MATTHEW WALKER

'Not only will every reader remember better afterward, they'll also never forget this life-changing book.' SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE

'Ranganath turns much of what we think we know about memory on its head.' DANIEL J. LEVITIN

'Just fabulous . . . You learn that you don't have to be a victim to your past and the way you used to think - you have agency because of the fact that the brain can change.' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE
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We talk about memory as a record of the past, but here's a surprising twist: we aren't supposed to remember everything. In fact, we're designed to forget.

We talk about memory as a record of the past, but here's a surprising twist: we aren't supposed to remember everything. In fact, we're designed to forget. Over the course of twenty-five years, Charan Ranganath has studied the seemingly selective and unreliable nature of human memory to find that our brains haven't evolved to keep a comprehensive record of events, but to extract the information needed to guide our futures.

Using fascinating case studies and testimonies, Why We Remember unveils the principles behind what and why we forget and shines new light on the silent, pervasive influence of memory on how we learn, heal and make decisions. By examining the role that attention, intention, imagination and emotion play in the storing of memories, it provides a vital user's guide to remembering what we hold most dear.

©2024 Charan Ranganath (P)2024 Faber & Faber
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What listeners say about Why We Remember

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Great Reading

Fantastic book with all the information and case studies about our brain. I don't really remember everything about the Book but what I want to share with my children stored in my brain for sure.

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the research based conclusions to memory and how it changes over time

the fact that the author wasn't trying to pedantic over conclusions but more interested as a scientist to provoke the appropriate questins

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2 people found this helpful

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Brilliant book

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, having heard Dr Ranganath share his insight on a podcast. Fascinating research into memory and learning laid out in an accessible way. As a psychology student, I’ve also found the book particularly helpful in cementing and broadening my knowledge. Highly recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

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A hugely informative book

I do wish the author had read it himself rather than AI but a great book nonetheless.

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Very accessible, very thought provoking

I really liked this.

This book explains the development of one scientist's understanding of how memory works through a 30 year career; both from his own research and his (almost exclusively US-based) peers, but with reference to the "giants" upon whose shoulders all scientists stand.

It is very accessible, with what little techno-jargon there is being sufficient for you to follow the science. He uses very human examples of his and others' experiences that bring that science to life.

I might go so far as to say I found it important. He describes how memories are curated by one's brain, how they can be influenced and how (very properly as well as improperly) are amended over time. He shows how revisiting and processing memories and experiences can make them positive as well as negative influences on how one makes decisions and choices in the present and future. I am middle-aged and it made me reflect upon how my memories of past events have influenced my behaviour and life choices.

All this in a 7 hour audio book ! Well written, well read, I think this is a wonderful explanation of a fascinating area of science; one which I am recommending to two friends whom I think would find it valuable.

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This taught me to think differently about memories

I was fascinated to hear all about the multitude of research studies in this area. As a retired GP in the UK, I know that we know far too little about the importance of sleep. I wish I had known more about how best to learn when I was a teenager.

I would’ve actually preferred the author to have narrated the entire book, but guess he is too busy with his research!

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very enlightening with practical applications

a very educational and thought provoking read into a subject I had no fore knowledge of, yet it was a very clear process which I enjoyed following

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Average

starts strong and intriguing but then rubs out of interesting ideas around midway. the beginning and end chapters are the best.

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