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fdr · 06-29-2009, 03:18 PM

Hi dulaney0330,

I can relate to your frustration. I too have a terrible memory for the specific details of many things I learn or read. To make matters worse, my former partner has an incredible memory, and so during the seven years we were together, I spent a lot of time feeling stupid when I was around him (and I am no dummy). It took a mutual friend saying to me "You know, I think you're actually smarter than he is -- he just impresses people with his memory" to begin to realize how out of whack my perspective had become.

As Chillax already mentioned, memory and intelligence really aren't related. Having a good memory can make someone seem really smart, but the ability to spout facts doesn't mean they are better at reasoning or at creating new ideas from what they've learned. All it means is they have a natural skill, like being able to run fast.

I can't remember anything I learned in college -- I have always said that when I lost my box full of class notes two years after graduating, that was $100K of education down the drain! But I have found that even though I can't remember formulas or definitions of terms sometimes, I can still remember how the concepts work. The specifics I can always look up if they are important!

Here's something that may be of interest to you: I have a very good recall of song lyrics, but my partner never did. I'm thinking there's something in how my brain is wired that allows me to retain information when linked with rhythm or music that super-memory-boy didn't get. Still learning, though.

Don't be discouraged! You are growing from what you learn, even if you can't remember the details.

06-29-2009, 03:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
fdr Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: USVI Posts: 31	Hi dulaney0330, I can relate to your frustration. I too have a terrible memory for the specific details of many things I learn or read. To make matters worse, my former partner has an incredible memory, and so during the seven years we were together, I spent a lot of time feeling stupid when I was around him (and I am no dummy). It took a mutual friend saying to me "You know, I think you're actually smarter than he is -- he just impresses people with his memory" to begin to realize how out of whack my perspective had become. As Chillax already mentioned, memory and intelligence really aren't related. Having a good memory can make someone seem really smart, but the ability to spout facts doesn't mean they are better at reasoning or at creating new ideas from what they've learned. All it means is they have a natural skill, like being able to run fast. I can't remember anything I learned in college -- I have always said that when I lost my box full of class notes two years after graduating, that was $100K of education down the drain! But I have found that even though I can't remember formulas or definitions of terms sometimes, I can still remember how the concepts work. The specifics I can always look up if they are important! Here's something that may be of interest to you: I have a very good recall of song lyrics, but my partner never did. I'm thinking there's something in how my brain is wired that allows me to retain information when linked with rhythm or music that super-memory-boy didn't get. Still learning, though. Don't be discouraged! You are growing from what you learn, even if you can't remember the details.