What is Transactive Memory
Let's discuss memory. Memory is fascinating because, in psychology, it was once believed that memories were solely stored in the hippocampus. However, this has been proven to be inaccurate; memories are actually stored throughout the entire brain (more information in the article linked below), which is quite intriguing. Furthermore, Daniel Wagner proposed a theory that suggests we store memories in other people, a concept known as transactive memory.
In simple terms, as we go through life—whether in relationships, families, friendships, or even with coworkers—our brains tend to offload information to reduce mental clutter. For example, Sherlock Holmes expresses in "A Study in Scarlet," the first Sherlock Holmes novel, that he prefers to keep only essential information in his mind, so it doesn’t become cluttered. This is an amusing way to think about it. In the story, Holmes relies on Dr. John Watson to remember details about social groups and interactions.
This idea can be seen in marriages as well; one partner may remember social plans while the other keeps track of bills and payments. This division of memory tasks allows each person to focus on what they are best at remembering. Additionally, one partner might recall specific memories that the other does not.
Even more interesting than transactive memory between people is the notion of transactive memory involving people and objects. This theory suggests that our possessions have a relationship with us, impacting why we find it challenging to part with certain items. A book that discusses this concept is Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki. The author delves into minimalism, particularly within Japanese culture, and offers advice on how to gradually implement minimalism into our lives.
One key point the author makes is that everything we own is associated with a particular memory or relationship. For instance, I have a shirt that I received when my brother returned home after a two-year mission for our church. This shirt evokes strong memories for me, serving as a mental cue to recall that significant time.
Books are another excellent example; they can trigger memories, just like clothing or even household items. Essentially, any object can hold a memory, allowing us to remember events or meanings associated with it.
This connection between objects and memories can complicate the process of decluttering. While I'm not suggesting you need to get rid of your belongings, it's crucial to recognize the relationships you have with them. Often, you might find that you're okay with letting go of certain items. The author of "Goodbye, Things" offers a helpful tip: if you struggle to part with something, consider taking a picture of it. This way, you can preserve the memory without physically holding onto the item.
If you're still having difficulty deciding, the author suggests putting the item in a box and keeping it in another room for a month or two. If, after that time, you find you never thought about it, you can confidently let it go.
That’s a bit of insight on memory, along with some bonus advice on decluttering. I hope you found it helpful!
A study by scientists at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT: A single memory is stored across many connected brain regions
