Unthinkable

Much of what we know about brain function derives from studying cases of “unusual” brains. 

Neuroscientists recognize 180 distinct regions of the brain that are involved in various functions such as speech recognition, memory, locomotion, and more. A variety of factors can cause a “mental anomaly,” including abnormal electrical or hormonal activity, structural damage, a cancerous growth or gene mutations. Sometimes these bring about disadvantages and sometimes advantages. In any case, the stories of Bob, Sharon, Rubén, Tommy, Sylvia, Matar, Louise, Graham and Joel illustrate what “unusual” brains are capable of.

Bob never forgets a moment of his life. He creates memories just like the average person, but his brain considers many more memories important enough to consolidate and retain.

People can improve their ability to remember. Alex Mullen practiced memory improvement techniques he learned from the book Moonwalking with Einstein. Within two years, Mullen won second place in 2015’s World Memory Championship. The technique he used is called a “mind palace.” To use...