Memory: The Hidden Pathways That Make Us Human

Memory defines us. Memory is the basis of our sense of self. But how do the structures of the mind store memories? What changes do memories imprint on the brain? And what is the role of emotion in determining the quality of our memories? Brian Greene explores these and related questions with four top researchers--Veronica O’Keane, Tim Bredy, Gail Robinson, and Oliver Baumann—who unravel myriad mysteries of the human capacity for memory.

This program is part of the Big Ideas series, supported by the John Templeton Foundation.

The live program was presented at the 2023 World Science Festival Brisbane, hosted by the Queensland Museum.

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#BrianGreene #Memory #Neuroscience #Psychology

[richtomlinson]

I remember being put in the crib during the daytime and experiencing how the sunlight was glowing an orange red color through my thin baby eyelids, , and thinking about how I was breathing.
Later in my life I remembered that as I was starting to be able to breath through my mouth on demand, and how I could switch from using my nose and then my mouth, because there was this sensation in my nasal cavity that I was feeling and controlling.

Many years later, I found out this only happens in about the first 9 months of life.
I definitely remember being a baby.

I also remember what I now can call the great forgetting period, and I sort of argued with my mother, around the age of 4, that I had a harder time remembering things from before and she told me I couldn't remember those things, and yet I described some things that I obviously still remembered, and she said, oh your just reinforcing those memories from pictures or stories, but I remember from inside my head and my own eyes, what I was experiencing, and pictures could only help, but not be the cause of these memories of breathing and controlling my nasal vs mouth breathing.

[tinebp]

this is a very difficult subject and I could tell that our guests were always clear with their answers.

[markoszouganelis]

I am delighted to see all of you sitting together once again, side by side, just like the good old days!
I would like to express my gratitude to Brian Greene, Veronica O’Keane, Tim Bredy, Gail Robinson, and Oliver Baumann.
Thank you! 🌈

[marthareal]

I was very impressed with your guests. Certainly surprised of my own level of understanding the concepts expressed in your discussion. Thank you, most informative. As always Dr. Brian Greene does not disappoint.

[abr]

Outstanding panel of experts! This topic is most fascinating. Thank you Brian.

[MrPranoybiswas]

Whenever I saw Dr Brian Greene talking, that itself turns into a good memory for me.😊
Lots of love and respect🙏 from India🇮🇳

[whtfsh]

In my opinion, one of the best WSF episodes ever! Terrific panel of guests.

[heartofthunder]

Not only memories mark a section of life we lived, but emotions also do to. Emotions and mind can also write the script for your life story, and it happens quickly too. Especially when angry or in time of sadness. Once the mind is made up, and those emotions distills in us, the solutions running through our minds tend to get to the point where action is taken. It’s either good or bad, but it’s a normal process.

[ThorneHuntington]

Didn't recognize Randolph. As the Earth aged so did Brian. All this years I never paid much attention how we all have aged. Today, seeing Brian on YouTube caught me off guard. It's hard to accept that some of my favorite people changed with the time. Thank you Brian for all the shows and lectures. They have enriched my life to the utmost. I look forward to watching more of your shows.

[nuranigeria]

One of these days, we will surely going to watch how the memories of the hallucinating mind's.
Love it, from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[observingsystem]

Fascinating subject. My father had an exceptional memory. He could remember meals he'd had at particular plane flights, who had been the captain, etc. He was in the airline industry for a long time, so his interest was there, but he was really great at remembering lots of things. I often quizzed him over the years to check if he really remembered so much and I never caught him in a mistake. He was phenomenal in remembering people's names too and who the person was, their background, even though he met lots of people because of his work. I think he had a sort of "Mind Palace" memory mnemonic system. I didn't inherit this from him, unfortunately. I forget names very often, wish my memory was as good as his was.

[NeomOmar-tqsz]

I swear, I can recall almost every situation in my life, that has happened from childhood until today. Either its a good thing, or bad I have no idea, but I love it so far

[LizaTorres-twlh]

Astounding 🎉 Makes a human being teary eyed to learn from authentic, exceptional human beings ‼️

[davidbrinker]

Thank you for bringing this interesting topic to the table's surface. All of you made this potentially complicated topic regarding memory/brain brilliantly comprehendable ... Thank you again.

[zack_]

Brian is so good at asking probing questions at depth!

[abdalwahedsaidi]

I am schizophrene. This help me to understand myself. Thank you very much. Remember the one god and be thankfull...❤

[krishi_salunke]

Science definitely gives new way of thinking 😊

[varunraju]

Great learning today. Thank you so much for the molecular level discussion.

[atessakrak]

Many thanks Prof Greene for this amazing episode once again. Hopefully I won't forget it quickly all these valuable information I captured :)

[prettygirlred]

I loved every minute of this. It's really fascinating to hear and try and understand the way our brains work.