The Paradox of Forgetting

How Externalizing Knowledge Enhances Memory

The Surprising Power of Letting Go

I was reading How to Take Smart Notes the other day and came across a surprising claim: transferring our ideas to an external system—like a slipbox—can actually help our long-term memory. At first, this seemed odd. How could forgetting something after writing it down help us remember it better later?

The book dives into this concept in a section discussing how externalizing ideas frees up mental space, giving our brains room to process and connect information. Over time, this process doesn’t just store knowledge; it strengthens it. The act of letting go, paradoxically, helps us hold onto what truly matters.

To dig into this more, I wanna walk you through some real-life examples, break down how different approaches stack up, and share some practical ways to apply this stuff in everyday life. Plus, we’ll explore some lesser-known cognitive strategies, creative applications, and how digital tools can optimize this process.

Sometimes you should just let go

The Man Who Couldn’t Forget: A Cautionary Tale

The book goes over the story of Solomon Shereshevsky, a reporter with a mind that remembered everything. Shereshevsky wasn’t remarkable because he had a great memory—he was remarkable because he couldn’t forget anything. Imagine remembering every conversation, every number, every random detail you’ve ever encountered.

Sounds like a superpower, right? Yeah but nah, it wasn’t. Shereshevsky’s memory was so cluttered with unimportant details that he struggled to understand broader concepts. Abstract ideas, poetry, and art were lost on him. He could recite information perfectly but couldn’t grasp the meaning behind it. His mind, overloaded with raw data, couldn’t make sense of it all.

This highlights a crucial point: memory isn’t just about remembering—it’s about forgetting what doesn’t matter so we can make sense of what does.

The Science of Forgetting: How It Shapes Our Knowledge

Modern cognitive research supports this idea. Forgetting allows our brains to prioritize meaningful information by removing unnecessary clutter. Think of it as mental spring cleaning. Without forgetting, we’d be stuck with a chaotic mess of random details, unable to see the patterns that matter.

Forgetting also plays a role in creativity. Studies show that people who can selectively forget irrelevant information tend to be better problem-solvers. They’re able to break away from fixed ideas and approach problems from fresh angles. Forgetting isn’t just good for memory—it’s essential for thinking creatively and flexibly.

---

Expanding the Context: Slipbox and Other Methods

The slipbox method isn’t the only approach to externalizing knowledge. Let’s compare it to a few others:

• Mind Mapping: While mind maps help visualize connections, they often lack the depth and structure slipboxes provide for long-term synthesis.

• Traditional Note-Taking: Linear notes can store information but don’t encourage the same dynamic retrieval and restructuring that strengthen memory.

• Digital Databases: Tools like Logseq, Obsidian, Notion, and Roam Research offer flexibility, but without a structured approach like slipbox, they can become cluttered.

The slipbox stands out because it encourages revisiting, linking, and rethinking ideas—a process essential for deep learning. Plus, with digital integrations like spaced repetition software, you can supercharge your memory even further.

Why Forgetting Is Actually Good for You

Shereshevsky’s story reveals something counterintuitive: forgetting isn’t a flaw. It’s a feature. Our brains evolved to forget things for a reason. Not everything deserves space in our heads. Forgetting helps us:

• Clear Out the Clutter: Imagine trying to work in a room filled with junk. Forgetting removes the mental clutter so we can focus on what matters.

• Find Meaning: By letting go of the trivial, we see patterns and make connections. This leads to deeper understanding.

• Stay Resilient: Forgetting painful or unnecessary memories protects our mental health and keeps us adaptable.

• Boost Creativity: Forgetting the obvious sometimes allows room for creative problem-solving by forcing new perspectives.

In short, forgetting isn’t the enemy of memory—it’s what makes meaningful memory possible.

Practical Applications: Making Forgetting Work for You

Here’s how you can make the power of forgetting work in your favor:

1. Write Things Down: Use a slipbox or digital note system. Trust that you don’t have to remember everything.

2. Review Regularly: Go back to your notes often. The act of revisiting helps cement the knowledge.

3. Let Go on Purpose: Don’t stress about forgetting details. This process forces you to focus on what matters.

4. Be Selective: Not everything deserves your attention. Keep your mental space for what truly counts.

5. Reflect: Take time to think about how your notes connect. Reflection turns information into understanding.

6. Leverage Digital Tools: Use apps with spaced repetition to enhance the slipbox method and boost long-term retention.

7. Teach What You Learn: Explaining concepts to others helps reinforce your understanding and memory.

Lessons from Shereshevsky: Why Total Recall Isn’t the Goal

Shereshevsky’s case shows that remembering everything is not only unnecessary—it’s counterproductive. Without forgetting, there’s no way to filter out the noise. The brain becomes a storage unit rather than a meaning-making machine.

By contrast, using external systems allows us to:

• Focus on Key Ideas: Forgetting the irrelevant so the important stuff stands out.

• Spot Connections: Revisiting notes reveals patterns we might have missed.

• Refine Understanding: Each review session deepens our knowledge and insight.

• Apply Insights Creatively: Freeing up mental space allows for more innovative thinking and practical application.

---

Deeper Analysis: Cognitive Science and the Slipbox Method

Cognitive science suggests that memory consolidation benefits from spaced repetition and elaboration. The slipbox method naturally incorporates these principles. Every time we revisit a note, we practice active recall. Each connection we draw deepens our understanding. By externalizing information, we trust our system to hold the details, allowing our brains to focus on higher-level thinking.

This balance between letting go and revisiting is what makes the slipbox so powerful.

Additionally, pairing the slipbox with tools like flashcards for spaced repetition or digital workflows ensures continuous learning and retention without the cognitive overload.

Conclusion: Forget to Remember

It’s tempting to wish for a perfect memory. But as Shereshevsky’s story shows, that would be more of a curse than a blessing. Memory works best when it’s selective. Forgetting is what lets us find meaning in the information we keep.

External systems like slipboxes help us work with this reality. They let us forget the details, revisit them when needed, and build lasting understanding. In the end, the key to remembering might just lie in learning how to forget.

If you enjoyed this exploration of memory, cognition, and learning, subscribe for more insights on how to think smarter and live more intentionally.