Why is it that many of our memories can only be accessed in our brains after we are reminded of them?
In: Biology
You can argue that the point of a memory is to help you learn from past experiences – to remember that a shadow like that was once a hungry hawk, or that you’ve hidden a nut in this part of a field.
Memories are linked to certain sensory inputs so that when you see that shadow, or pass through that field, you’ll bring up the memory. Smells are the most strongly linked, which is why they can be so nostalgic.
As humans, we can remember lots of memories at will, no matter where we are. I think this is a result of our vivid imaginations that let us simulate all kinds of inputs and trigger memories that way. But you need the right trigger and sometimes imagination just isn’t enough.
I’m pretty sure we don’t know whether other animals can bring up memories without sensory triggers but that’s a fascinating question! I’d bet they can, though it must be harder without language or as much meta cognition.
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