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Nicholas Lukowiak

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Why memorize?

This question was not well thought out, and I apologize, it will be removed after the replies have taken place.

Memorizing is inedible when involving intelligence.

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    Nikolaos Benias 50+

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    Apr 15 2011: Going back to my school days, I can remember tons of things that we were taught, but I do not use daily, nor weekly, nor monthly, nor annually - some of them I've never used them again since that day.

    Indeed, there is no need to memorize every single thing you/we are taught.
    The bad thing is that you cannot know ahead which things you need to remember, based on your job, your interests etc.
    Thus, you are not able to pre-determine which information is useful or not in the long run.

    In general, memorization saves you time (not only in the sense of time=money) and makes you more efficient in lots of daily things.
    For the rest of the time, you need to be able to locate the information you are looking for quickly and correctly. This, I believe, is the purpose of memorization for not-daily issues.

    As for the real purpose of education is (or at least should be, according to my understanding) to provide you with the information (= knowledge) and to improve your critical thinking.
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      Nicholas Lukowiak 50+

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      Apr 15 2011: Yes memorizing does save time, but like I said anything worth memorizing must be important or of value to the individual and becomes more of an understanding and not just a memory.

      Remembering where to find the information is much more important than remembering the information itself, do you agree?

      I agree that true education should be revolved around critical thought. Preaching the choir here.

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