How to Remember Things

Discussing the importance of having a good memory meant discussing what should be remembered and what is less vital. This came about during a discussion where I mentioned my mind wandered back to when I was a young child and remembered when I got an annual gift from another student. I think that was associated to Xmas time or was some kind of annual giving like around Thanksgiving. The ball did not last long it was a nice colour though and hollow inside except for some metallic pieces that would jingle when you shook it. My student reminded me of the importance of selective memory when one can tune out something that becomes irrelevant to acquire something that is appropriate for the moment.

This person suggested that if he could be selective and delete something associated to the past that he would then be able to free up some space for something more applicable today. What he did remember was not something from his childhood but something related to the events around a rock concert in 1992. That was when guns and roses and metallic where supposed to perform back to back at the Olympic stadium. Clearly there was a connection in my mind between his current works as a music gig organizer and the fact that he witnessed this concert and then fled before a riot broke caused by discontented fans. Then I knew what he meant about being selective in his memory and what he considers more relevant to remember.