The Eidetic Mind I

For years I have been fascinated with the ability of the human mind to process, store and recall memories. I don't have a clue as to the mechanism that allows it (I doubt that anyone really does); I don't know whether memory can be "improved" by practice. In fact, I don't know what it is. At least Bill Clinton might know what "is is," but I don't know what memory is. Is memory a "thing" or a "muscle" or an "ability" or a "sense" or what? These kinds of questions no doubt keep neuropsychologists working overtime, but they aren't necessarily my interest. I would like to understand the way that memory defines, limits, and enriches us.

I also am interested in memory because I have a good one. It isn't "photographic," whatever that really means, but it recalls and retains quite well. I thought for a while that the precision of my memory and ability to recall loads of (sometimes useless) historical data might be an indication of Asperger's syndrome--but I don't have the social deficits and inability to "engage" with people that usually goes with that phenomenon.

I wrote my first exploratory essay on memory, entitled "Hypermnesia," in 2006. About a week ago one of my website readers, after reading on "hypermnesia," wrote to me to tell me that she had an "eidetic mind." While most scholars today would deny that there is such a thing as an "eidetic memory" or an "eidetic mind" (in which precise photographs are made of a scene, allowing immediate recall of everything), their insistence on defining the phenomenon so that no one can fit into their category is pretty unhelpful (here is an article from 2006 surveying the issue). Far more helpful, I think, would be to get to know people who have very highly developed memories and to learn from them and listen to them. Let the theorizing come later...

Meeting Julie

So, I received an email from Julie, who lives on the East Coast (we have agreed to maintain her anonymity at this point). She told me that she was an "adult eidekiter" or a "human camera." While I have no way to verify her claim, I have picked up from Julie a number of telltale signs of credibility. In this and the next few essays, I would like to share aspects of our email conversation with you (with her permission, of course) to see what you think...

She began by telling the following story:

"Imagine going to a movie theater and watching an enjoyable film and then leaving the theater with the movie recorded inside your mind. The details of the movie are not only being remembered, but they are being replayed on the theater screen inside your head. You get to enjoy the movie again…and again. In fact, you get to view the movie anytime you wish. This process is known as eidetic imagery; the photographic memory of the mind. It is a unique ability with many benefits and it can be enhanced and upgraded to camcorder status.

The human brain is a magnificent piece of machinery and I have come to respect and appreciate its many functions. This powerful organ has the ability to make you or break you, depending on how you use it. The brain operates like a computer with its own built-in programs. The hardware is exceptional and when good software is installed, one can enjoy a variety of websites. Vigorous exercise within the mind’s mental gymnasium has afforded me the opportunity to enjoy my own photo shoot center, all inside the privacy of my mind. Instead of a “mouse” to click, I just think and gain access to the many programs downloaded. Browsing is a breeze and getting online is free of charge. Photographing life as it happens is educational and rewarding. Being a visual learner, I depend on what I see and eidetic imagery has enhanced my creative talent as a cartoonist and writer. I rely on the video footage I carry in my mind to produce cartoons, stories, poems and other works of art. The vast amount of film I have stored, along with a vivid imagination, has helped to launch my career as a writer. When the urge to create seeps inside my veins, I turn to the MGM studio department of my mind and unleash my visual talent. I get to see what I create in Technicolor. Another added feature of owning an eidetic mind is capturing comical situations on film and playback is often quite humorous. Laughter is good medicine and I always get a chuckle from watching funny home movies. Especially all the videos I filmed of my children and all our pets. These special Kodak moments are precious to me and when displayed on the theater screen of the mind, I relive the past all over again. My sense of humor is heightened by the visual footage of all the crazy antics I endured with my children and I often burst out with laughter at the sight of these comical skits. If only my kids could see the visual world I created inside my mind from past memories. I’m sure they would get a chuckle out of it all, too.

One comical situation I filmed became a bit alarming. My daughter and I were touring in Washington, D.C. and a visit to the White House was on our agenda. As we approached the security check point near the entrance, I noticed the warning sign on the wall. “NO CAMERAS BEYOND THIS POINT!” I swallowed hard as I brushed past the “Men in Black” and scanned their serious faces. Little did they know that a live camcorder had just slipped by right under their noses. The West Wing is a sneak preview I harbor in my head. I rated the footage, “Top Security,” and shoved it into my X-Files. Agent Mulder would have a field day with what I captured on film! Of course, seeing is believing and it’s hard to bring the evidence out of my head. Many people frown on such an ability as eidetic imagery and skeptics are quick to judge and ridicule. It is easier to dismiss an extraordinary mind than it is to understand one. Unfortunately, I have filmed even the critics and their frowning faces. Those reels are stored in the furthest section of my movie warehouse, next to the films that never make it in the entertainment industry. My trashbin is full of negative material pending deletion. Even though I can not explain the underlying mechanisms behind eidetic imagery, I am grateful to be a recipient of its benefits. The home entertainment system sitting on my shoulders allows me to enjoy academy award performances in living color, theme songs included. The best part of having an eidetic mind is that I get to watch all the “I Love Lucy” re-runs anytime I wish. I can imagine Allen Funt coming up to me and saying, “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!” With a big grin on my face, I reply, “So are you!”

I wasn't sure what to make of this, so I prepared a list of questions for Julie. The next essay introduces them....

3036