Charan Ranganath: Human Memory, Imagination, Deja Vu, and False Memories | Lex Fridman Podcast #430

Charan Ranganath is a psychologist and neuroscientist at UC Davis, specializing in human memory. He is the author of a new book titled Why We Remember. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

TRANSCRIPT:

EPISODE LINKS:

PODCAST INFO:

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:03 - Experiencing self vs remembering self
14:44 - Creating memories
24:16 - Why we forget
31:53 - Training memory
42:22 - Memory hacks
54:10 - Imagination vs memory
1:03:29 - Memory competitions
1:13:18 - Science of memory
1:28:33 - Discoveries
1:39:37 - Deja vu
1:44:54 - False memories
2:04:59 - False confessions
2:08:45 - Heartbreak
2:16:19 - Nature of time
2:24:00 - Brain–computer interface (BCI)
2:38:04 - AI and memory
2:48:18 - ADHD
2:55:15 - Music
3:05:00 - Human mind

SOCIAL:

[lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
1:03 - Experiencing self vs remembering self
14:44 - Creating memories
24:16 - Why we forget
31:53 - Training memory
42:22 - Memory hacks
54:10 - Imagination vs memory
1:03:29 - Memory competitions
1:13:18 - Science of memory
1:28:33 - Discoveries
1:39:37 - Deja vu
1:44:54 - False memories
2:04:59 - False confessions
2:08:45 - Heartbreak
2:16:19 - Nature of time
2:24:00 - Brain–computer interface (BCI)
2:38:04 - AI and memory
2:48:18 - ADHD
2:55:15 - Music
3:05:00 - Human mind

[ElleY-kspl]

I went back and listened to the “experiencing self” vs the “remembering self” multiple times. It never occurred to me that fulfillment in life can come down to having a rich remembering self, and that this richness sometimes requires experiencing some pain, discomfort, or an effort of some kind. Wise words to live by.

[ohmbasa]

As a person that's been living with severe chronic pain and depression an anxiety for most of my life I can definitely say that I appreciate things much more than I ever thought I possibly could. The story that I tell to myself about myself is a good one because I overcome my struggles in the end by simply surviving.

[TreeYogaSchool]

I am not all the way through this yet, but if you are reading this comment, know that the value of this podcast is immense. Just the first 30 seconds alone where Charan explains how memories often cannot be trusted is an absolute game-changer. It is a direct path to the present moment — knowing that the past (even your own memories) may very well be an illusion. It helps you be here and now — allowing you to get the most out of each moment in life.

Lex, thank you for your great work, and I’m glad you are back from your trip.

[dynamo]

Lex bring more people like him for podcast! We enjoy the Scientific ones but these ones I feel can be more enjoyed by the majority of people since it can relate to our own paths and everyday lives. This one was gold thank you

[alendotcom]

It's not lost on me that this dropped on MEMORIAL Day weekend

[agenticmark]

coming from a rough childhood I figured it out on accident or by my own nature. When you look at the past, keep the lessons, but put yourself in the shoes of the "actors" in your memories. Give them noble reasons instead of evil one. It help memories turn into wine instead of vinegar over the years.

We are all assholes, we just only see it in others

[Djk-ccsr]

I enjoy the way Lex conducts his podcasts, great questions and follows up with the reason why he asked them. By far my favourite podcast interviewer.

[idatong]

It's fascinating to listen to Charan Ranganath about his deep knowledge and wisdom on memory and life in general. I love his scientific explanation of memory and the philosophy behind the theory. What a beautiful conversation this is! As always, I learn so much from you and your brilliant guest! Thank you Lex! ❤

[Ciaandmia]

This is a fascinating exploration of the human mind. Ranganath breaks down complex concepts into easily understandable terms, making this episode both accessible and profound.

[stevengill]

For some reason I ran away from home when I was 3 or 4 - I can still remember it perfectly at 70. I wasn't unhappy, simply curious. My folks were distracted, so me and the dog ran out the door at sunset, me in my pajamas, the dog excited as could be. We wandered around the neighborhood 'till it got dark, and I was wandering along the main road with lots of traffic on it until my dad picked me up, very angry of course!
Such a strange thing to do - I wasn't mad, just excited to be out exploring. Must have been a strange sight for people driving by!
NB : Lex, I too have that problem remembering names, perfectly explained by your guest (what was his name again? 😊)

[lz]

Thank you Charan and Lex. Excellent conversation! The memories of my late father are precious to me. I'm thankful for our complex brain and its ability for the gift of recall. Human memory and emotion make us unique creatures on the earth!

[CapitanFantasma]

I used to record my dreams. After years of doing this, I realized my Deja Vus were me dreaming the future. I couldn't control any of this. It just happened. Thanks!

[AlanSitar]

Lex your first comment about memories being a source of happiness like fruit to a tree, was extremly beautiful and inspiring, i feel your wisdom as you came out from the jungle, love you brother <3

[catalhuyuk]

I just checked your channel this morning to make sure you made it out of the Amazon and maybe posted a video and here you are! ♥️🇨🇦

[ethereum-world]

Samantha says "the past is just a story, " she means that our memories of the past are like stories we make up in our minds. They're not always exactly what happened, but they're the way we remember them and tell them to ourselves. It's a reminder that our memories can be flexible and might not always be 100% accurate.😮

[mlpetty]

I’m rereading Man’s Search for Meaning right now and I really loved your question about how to maximize the enjoyment of a memory.

In suffering, the parts of us that remember beautiful experiences can help us find so much meaning in suffering and experiencing the cold contrasts of life.

[Vinemaple]

8:20 "Do things that are unpleasant in the moment, because those can be reframed and enjoyed for many years to come"

[rolandconnor]

Almost 4 mil subscribers Lex. You deserve every one.

[MrX-zzvk]

Lex, I hope you haven't forgotten about that additional content you were going to post from your Amazon trip. You mentioned it in the Introduction around the 1 minute mark of Episode 429 with Paul Rosalie. We want to see more.