If You’re Forgetful, It Might Mean You Have High Intelligence
We’re all a little forgetful, but forgetting small details about things is a sign of a healthy brain, and now I can use that argument when I forget my anniversary.
By WKBW on October 1, 2018
I just realized that I made that sound like a disease or something. “I’m sorry, but you have the high intelligence.” But it’s true, scientists seem to think that if you forget “irrelevant details” about things, it’s a clear sign of high intelligence. Or at the very least, a healthy brain.
The brain is a simple (complex, but simple) thing. It tries to do the basics, and relies heavily on instinct and survival. So it’s no wonder that when we’re listening to someone’s story, we get a little distracted and forget some details about their story later. But that’s exactly why scientists think being forgetful is a sign of higher intelligence. Ok so it’s not exactly that simple. Just because you’re forgetful doesn’t mean you’re smarter than Einstein. BUT, being forgetful does help our intelligence.
Professor Blake Richland from the University of Toronto did a lot of the research into this. He says “It’s important that the brain forgets irrelevant details and instead focuses on the stuff that’s going to help make decisions in the real world.” Basically, our memory is important to “store” information we may need for experience or survival. When we “forget” meaningless details about things, we’re “making room for the things that matter.” So basically if you forget details about things, it’s no problem. As long as you remember “the bigger picture” of the event, you’re a-ok. Check out some more information over here.