Committed to Memory: How We Remember and Why We Forget

by Rebecca Rupp

Book Overview

In this book, scientist Rebecca Rupp explains how and why memory works the way it does. What are the chemical processes that occur in the brain when we remember - and how do they account for the absentminded or steel trap qualities in an individual? Rupp also tackles topics that have been the subject of intense public debate. She examines the concepts of repressed and fantasized memories, such as ones of alien abduction: are they the result of horrifying experiences that have been shunted off into the depths of the unconscious? Or are they fantastic constructs of the human mind? Memory decays with awful rapidity, and a vital aspect of the study of memory is its loss. Why does memory change as we grow older? How can we improve our ability to remember, and how can we keep forgetfulness at bay? Committed to Memory features useful memory-improving techniques and tricks to remember essential information.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517703211
• ISBN13: 9780517703212
• Release Date: December 1997
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Dwarfing a problem.

May I briefly review a review? The Kirkus review rightly points out that some memory techniques are more work than they are worth. This is a shame because it discourages people from learning simple and effective memory methods which have benefited me greatly me all my life. Case in point. The Kirkus review mentions the clumsy phrase used to remember the names of the Seven Dwarfs. Agreed. A much easier way to remember them is with this phrase ("dopey* in this context means not fully aware, nodding off): Bash a Dopey Doctor and you'll make him Grumpy. Leave and he'll be Happy to fall aSleep if he can stop Sneezing. Make the silly picture in your head and you'll never forget the names of the 7D. To strengthen the memory,think of bad gas. Spelled this way,using the initials of the 7D in order as shown above: BaDD GHaSS To initiate the memory, think of Snow White hitting all the dwarves on the head with a cartoon mallet.

Solid scholarship with a sweet candy-coating.

"Committed to Memory" is pop-science at its best: educational and entertaining. Not just some pseudo-scientific re-hash of ancient mnemonics like "Mega Memory" and so many other memory books out there; this book also preents the latest in legitimate scientific research on how memory works. Reading it provides one of those rare "a-ha" experiences; we are given explanations for facets of memory we all notice, but have seldom taken much time to ponder. Deserves to be a best seller.

Don't forget this book.

Short papers-wide ranges of ideas, concepts and non-linear thinking of the memory and what it means to us physically, biologically, philosophically and emotionally. Invites self reflection and personal questioning. As well as seeding the desire to own a Planaria farm.