Forgetting: Myths, Perils and Compensations - Hardcover

Draaisma, Douwe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 030020728X ISBN 13: 9780300207286

Verlag: Yale University Press, 2015

Inhaltsangabe

Does forgetting signal a failing mind? What can be done to ward off forgetfulness? Is there an upside to forgetting?

In his highly praised book The Nostalgia Factory, renowned memory scholar Douwe Draaisma explored the puzzling logic of memory in later life with humor and deep insight. In this compelling new book he turns to the “miracle” of forgetting. Far from being a defect that may indicate Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, Draaisma claims, forgetting is one of memory’s crucial capacities. In fact, forgetting is essential.
 
Weaving together an engaging array of literary, historical, and scientific sources, the author considers forgetting from every angle. He pierces false clichés and asks important questions: Is a forgotten memory lost forever? What makes a colleague remember an idea but forget that it was yours? Draaisma explores “first memories” of young children, how experiences are translated into memory, the controversies over repression and “recovered” memories, and weird examples of memory dysfunction. He movingly examines the impact on personal memories when a hidden truth comes to light. In a persuasive conclusion the author advocates the undervalued practice of “the art of forgetting”—a set of techniques that assist in erasing memories, thereby preserving valuable relationships and encouraging personal contentment.

Über diesen Titel

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Douwe Draaisma is professor of the history of psychology at the University of Groningen and author of several best-selling books on topics relating to memory. He lives in Groningen, Netherlands.

Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Yale University Press
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2015
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN 10: 030020728X
• ISBN 13: 9780300207286
• Einband: Gebundene Ausgabe
• Anzahl der Seiten: 276
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar
• Verantwortliche Person: Nicht verfügbar