People with a very good memory, often referred to as individuals with "eidetic" or "photographic" memory, have the ability to recall information with remarkable clarity and detail. However, even for people with such exceptional memory, it is not accurate to say that they remember everything from their childhood and adolescence.
Memory is a complex cognitive process, and several factors influence how we encode, store, and retrieve information. While individuals with extraordinary memory may have a greater capacity to retain information, their memories are still subject to the same limitations as anyone else's. Here are a few reasons why they may not remember everything from their early years:
Selective Encoding: Memory starts with the process of encoding, where information is converted into a form that can be stored in the brain. Not everything we experience is encoded into long-term memory, as our brains tend to prioritize certain details or events over others.
Decay: Memories that are not reinforced or retrieved regularly may fade over time. Even if someone had an exceptional memory for certain events during childhood, without reinforcement, those memories can become less vivid or eventually forgotten.
Interference: Memories can interfere with one another. New experiences and information can overlap with or disrupt existing memories, leading to confusion or partial recollection of past events.
Childhood Amnesia: Many people experience what is called "childhood amnesia," which refers to the phenomenon of not having clear memories of early childhood, particularly before the age of 3-4 years. The exact reasons for this are not fully understood, but it may be related to the ongoing development of the brain and language skills during early childhood.
Emotional Significance: Memories are often more vividly retained when they have emotional significance. While people with excellent memory may remember some emotionally charged events, the rest of their experiences may not be as strongly retained.
It's essential to remember that memory abilities vary from person to person, and there is a wide range of memory capabilities among individuals with "very good" memory. While some may have better retention of past events, they are not immune to the inherent limitations of memory.
In summary, while people with remarkable memory skills may have better recall than the average person, it is not accurate to say that they remember absolutely everything from their childhood and adolescence. Memory is a selective and dynamic process, influenced by various factors that determine what information is retained and what is forgotten over time.