Not so trivial. During my studies, I’d learned a few interesting things that I’ve never really talked to someone about or written down. Now, I wish I had those insights written down so that I could analyze them further. I highly recommend scribbling down any spontaneous ideas or thoughts, as you never know how they could help you in the future or even spark an even better idea. This is something we do at Glasp.

Not so trivial. During my studies, I’d learned a few interesting things that I’ve never really talked to someone about or written down. Now, I wish I had those insights written down so that I could analyze them further. I highly recommend scribbling down any spontaneous ideas or thoughts, as you never know how they could help you in the future or even spark an even better idea. This is something we do at Glasp.

In a podcast titled "The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting", the idea of forgetting resurfacing important information is discussed. Remembering everything can make it harder to generalize, abstract, and filter information. Forgetting allows us to be more creative because we can see unexpected connections among key ideas. This is why most creative types seem to function best in the morning. Forgetting also plays a role in decision-making as it allows us to double-check information and make better decisions.

Our memories are distributed across our cortex, but there are central regions of the brain that can be considered memory hubs. The save function is localized to a structure called the hippocampus, while the retrieve function is in the prefrontal cortex. The hard drive, or the storage of memories, is mainly located towards the back of the brain. When we remember something, the tips of our neurons in the posterior area grow, strengthening the connections. Forgetting is the opposite; the tips wilt back down, leading to the memory being forgotten or weakened.

The ability to generalize and sort information is fundamental to our cognitive abilities. This ability requires forgetting. Imagine if everything in life was constantly novel, even things and people we know. It would result in an anxious state. This is why some people with autism prefer sameness. Forgetting also helps us let go of emotional memories. While it's important to remember bad things that happened, it is beneficial to turn down the emotional component.

One way to accelerate emotional forgetting after a trauma is through socializing. Engaging in a socially active network right after a trauma can help accelerate forgetting. Exposure therapy also taps into our forgetting mechanism, re-balancing our memories by associating the event with something benign. This is why normal forgetting is required at the molecular level. "Ressentiment," or the core of human suffering, is linked to looping on emotional memories.

Sleeping is another way our brains forget. During sleep, the mechanisms that result in memories wilt back down. Research has shown that most creative types function best in the morning. The ability to create unexpected associations requires forgetting. If our associations were stapled in steel, we wouldn't have the looseness or play in those associations that lead to eureka moments.

Memories moor our imaginations down with detail. In order to have flights of fancy and creativity, we benefit from not being moored by memory. People with bad memories tend to make better decisions because they don't over-index their memories. Those who heavily rely on their memories are more likely to slip on decision-making errors. The tortoise mind, the one that takes its time and considers all aspects, will always beat the hare brain.

In conclusion, forgetting plays a crucial role in our cognitive abilities, creativity, emotional well-being, and decision-making. It allows us to generalize and sort information, make better decisions, and let go of emotional components. To make the most of these benefits, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Write down spontaneous ideas or thoughts: You never know how they could help you in the future or spark even better ideas. Having a place to store these insights can be beneficial.

2. Engage in social activities after a trauma: Socializing can help accelerate emotional forgetting and allow you to let go of the emotional component associated with the event.

3. Double-check information before making decisions: Don't heavily rely on your memory. Take the time to search and make things sure before making decisions. Knowing the unknowns and double-checking things can lead to better decision-making.

By incorporating these actions into your life, you can harness the benefits of forgetting and improve various aspects of your cognitive abilities and well-being. Remember, forgetting is not so trivial.