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Hyperthymestic Syndrome

Gonz

Ultra Runner
Joined
Mar 18, 2005
Messages
4,843
Location
St. Paul
I just read this article, however I'm not sure if I'd call this a "gift". There's potentially a downside to this that they never mentioned as well. Imagine being able to recall every day of your life (except maybe the very first few years) as if it were yesterday. This guy knows what the weather was like, he knows exactly what he did and everything! But think about how busy this guy's head must be. Such as the larger number of memories triggered by outside stimuli such like a song or a picture. And of course no one cannot say they've never done anything they regret, or anything mean-spirited when they were a kid (or older). Imagine if those memories that we've conveniently forgotten were just as fresh as if they happened yesterday? I hope as the article indicates they can find something useful for his ability, and that he has a life full of happy memories!
 
I see your point, but the mind has a way of coping with challenges. I served on submarines. First day aboard, I was claustrophobic. After a day or two, my mind will "normalized" the size of the environment. I've "suffered" from tinnitus for most of 25 years now. I'm able to block the ringing, pretty much at will. While this guy can recall whatever he wants, I expect that he'll either develop a way to file the unpleasant memories, or go crazy.
 
Nutty. I'm sure that guy has a pretty mellow perspective on life. If he carried grudges for every little slight along the way, I imagine he'd have eaten a bullet, gone postal, or would be off living alone in the woods by now.

Check out Kim Peek if you want a glimpse at another remarkable brain. There are a few good clips of him on YouTube if you feel like poking around further.
 
I worked with a guy with the same condition, he could recall any minute detail for as far back as two years old, nicest guy you'd want to know. On the other hand his memories of Nam drove him crazy, being a ground pounder and breathing Agent Orange made him into the biggest pothead i ever knew. He could remember stuff that amazed older men then him, what a mind.



Edited for spelling.
 
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