Designing a better thinking-writing medium: How writing aids in clearer thinking and better memory retention

Designing a better thinking-writing medium: How writing aids in clearer thinking and better memory retention

Writing is not just a means of recording our thoughts; it is a tool that helps us think more consciously. When we engage in the act of writing, we are not only expressing our ideas, but we are also refining and organizing them. It is through this process that we can model our thoughts about the world more precisely and accurately. In a way, writing acts as a lens through which we can view and understand our experiences in a clearer and more comprehensive manner.

One of the reasons why writing aids in thinking is because it allows us to think across time. Our brains are adept at thinking in the present moment, but when it comes to retaining and processing information over extended periods, we often fall short. This is where writing comes in. By taking notes and putting our thoughts onto paper, we create a tangible record that we can refer back to even when those thoughts aren't at the forefront of our minds. It's like opening a small room for our thoughts, where we can lay them out, connect them, and explore them at our leisure.

Chris Granger, a software developer, makes an interesting distinction between tools and mediums. He defines a tool as something that enhances an existing workflow, making it more efficient. On the other hand, a medium gives us new agency or power to do something we couldn't do before. When it comes to designing a thinking-writing tool, it is crucial to create a medium rather than just a tool. A medium not only improves our existing thinking and writing process but also empowers us to engage in new ways of thinking and expressing our ideas.

Now, let's shift our focus to the science of forgetting and how it relates to the act of writing. It is a basic assumption that everyone forgets everything all the time. Forgetting is the default state of our brains. Memory consists of three interconnected phases: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. When we encounter new information, our brains encode it by making changes in neurons, creating a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it goes through the process of memory consolidation, which often occurs during sleep. Consolidation helps stabilize memories and make them more long-term.

During memory retrieval, the memory trace neurons in the hippocampus and cortex are reactivated. Our memories are centered around our life stories and the events that had a significant impact on us personally. However, even for emotionally salient events, the more memories we accumulate, the harder it becomes to retain all of them. New memories interfere with older ones, making it challenging to recall specific details. This is particularly true when events are uniform and blend together as one event in our memories.

As a society, we often have a tendency to let go of memories related to difficult or traumatic events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. We naturally view the future more positively than the past because the future is open to various possibilities, whereas the past is fixed. Our present emotions, knowledge, and attitudes heavily influence how we remember the past. This has direct implications for how we reflect on the pandemic and navigate the future.

In order to ensure that our autobiographical memories are preserved in history, it is essential for history itself to take our lives and turn them upside down. Without the aid of cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums, memories of the pandemic may fade away and be consigned to the entropic dustbin of history.

Given the importance of writing in aiding thinking and memory retention, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Cultivate a habit of regular writing: Set aside dedicated time each day or week to engage in writing. Whether it's journaling, note-taking, or creative writing, the act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) helps solidify your thoughts and improve your overall thinking process.

2. Experiment with different writing mediums: Explore different tools and platforms that allow you to express your thoughts and ideas. From traditional notebooks to digital note-taking apps, find a medium that resonates with you and enhances your thinking experience. Experimenting with different mediums can also spark new insights and perspectives.

3. Reflect on your past writing: Occasionally revisit your previous writings and reflect on how your thoughts have evolved over time. This practice not only helps you track your growth as a thinker but also reinforces your memory of past experiences and ideas. It allows you to connect the dots and see patterns that may have gone unnoticed before.

In conclusion, writing is not merely a means of recording our thoughts; it is a medium that aids in clearer thinking and better memory retention. By engaging in the act of writing, we can refine and organize our ideas, allowing us to model our thoughts more accurately. Writing also enables us to think across time, providing a tangible record that we can refer back to and explore at our leisure. When designing a thinking-writing medium, it is crucial to create a tool that not only enhances our existing workflow but also empowers us to engage in new ways of thinking and expressing our ideas. So, pick up that pen or open that blank document on your screen, and let the act of writing guide you towards better thinking and clearer ideas.