The Physical Boundries of Memories

Sandtrap · July 29, 2014, 10:57:44 AM

So, a few months back, a really nice cat of ours passed away, and my little niece was quite upset about it. The cat was an old brick, built like a tank and a fighter, but gentle and lovey as could be. Jump on your shoulder, waterworks drooling right away when you gave him some affection kind of deal. And, naturally, she was quite sad about it. Everybody was really. But I was talking to her about things, and I randomly mentioned that she still had all her memories of him. As long as she had those, in some sense, he was always still around. But it got me thinking.

What is a memory? How does it work? From a scientific perspective, a memory comes from your brain, which is a complex web of bioelectric connections and neurons. These networks carry everything to and from our brain. Impulses, feelings and so on. But that's just the scientific aspect of it. I'm asking something a little different.

What, is a memory? At first glance, it's an image. A window to another time. A feeling. All inside your head. But you can't physically touch a memory. You cant, pick a memory out of somebodies head and look at it like you would a book. Every memory we have is uniquely our own, just like our ideas, and everything else inside our heads.

Although we may never be able to physically touch a memory, I propose to you this. Everything around us, at the most basic, fundamental level is a soup. A big soup of atomic structures all interacting amongst one another. Everything in our universe is built off this. So, therefore, it makes sense to say that, in order to have thought, in order to have memory, a physical universe must be present right? And what that means is, memories, and by extension thoughts, are physical. Some part of them must have a physical grounding in reality and the universe around us.

So what does that mean? It means, that in some sense, a memory is a very real thing. A memory is a physical thing, a place, a person, an event, anything your brain has ever witnessed. What gets more interesting, is that due to decay, approximately every year, our body is composed of new atoms, meaning old ones are lost and found again in the structure of the universe. And yet our memories remain intact, grounded in a central place. But who's to say in that decay, that in the long line of particle string theory, your memories don't exist as part of our big vast universe? And perhaps, when you die, what you are, what you've seen, returns to the universe as a whole?

We could even take it one more step further, and say that maybe, in some strange sense, thoughts and memories are like time travel. Memories hold the past, always the past. They contain everything you ever saw or did over the span of your life. And thoughts? Thoughts are the future. Thoughts hold the power to change the world, change the environment, change you and the world around you. Ideas and inventions were eventually made a reailty by those who had the knowledge and perseverance to keep trying, and eventually, that idea, that far off dream, a future, became the present. And we are solely creatures of here and now, acting on instinct and what's happening to us in the present.

So when you die, you return to the fabric of the universe. Like string theory, which continues to ever allude and confuse scientists with supposedly random results, maybe our memories are absorbed into this potential string. And, maybe, those you've lost aren't ever truly gone so long as you keep their memories alive. And one day, you'll return to the dust from which you came. But you won't be gone. For we are eternal.

TB · July 29, 2014, 11:01:33 AM

This is a good read and a good theory.
I'm gonna go over it a couple more times...

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · July 29, 2014, 11:01:57 AM

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MattyFez · July 29, 2014, 11:03:41 AM

People are hoping to develop biological computers that can store a large amount of memory. So that would be interesting.

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:04:41 AM

Memory is kinda like data on a hard drive.

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:05:13 AM

Quote from: MattyFez on July 29, 2014, 11:03:41 AM

People are hoping to develop biological computers that can store a large amount of memory. So that would be interesting.

[SCI FI INTENSIFIES]

Focnr · July 29, 2014, 11:05:20 AM

If memories don't decay and stay in place, then they wouldn't be atoms because the atoms decay and are replaced. I take that to mean we have a soul and higher purpose/power.

Jump Into Hell · July 29, 2014, 11:05:24 AM

This is why I'm terrified of losing my memory.

Sandtrap · July 29, 2014, 11:06:00 AM

Quote from: MattyFez on July 29, 2014, 11:03:41 AM

People are hoping to develop biological computers that can store a large amount of memory. So that would be interesting.

Folks have already created the first quantum computer. It's still very basic, but they've proven that they can use particles as a means for communication and as the ultimate form of security.

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · July 29, 2014, 11:07:18 AM

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Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:08:56 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on July 29, 2014, 11:07:18 AM

Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:04:41 AM
Memory is kinda like data on a hard drive.
Technically everything is data. The universe itself has it's own "source code," an infinitely long string of 0s 1s. There has been a lot of research into discovering that source code. With it you could essentially unlock the secrets of the universe.

YouTube

MattyFez · July 29, 2014, 11:10:13 AM

Quote from: Sandtrap on July 29, 2014, 11:06:00 AM

Quote from: MattyFez on July 29, 2014, 11:03:41 AM
People are hoping to develop biological computers that can store a large amount of memory. So that would be interesting.

Folks have already created the first quantum computer. It's still very basic, but they've proven that they can use particles as a means for communication and as the ultimate form of security.

I wonder if humans could eventually interface with biological computers when they are developed further.

rC · July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM

what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:12:02 AM

Quote from: MattyFez on July 29, 2014, 11:10:13 AM

Quote from: Sandtrap on July 29, 2014, 11:06:00 AM
Quote from: MattyFez on July 29, 2014, 11:03:41 AM
People are hoping to develop biological computers that can store a large amount of memory. So that would be interesting.

Folks have already created the first quantum computer. It's still very basic, but they've proven that they can use particles as a means for communication and as the ultimate form of security.
I wonder if humans could eventually interface with biological computers when they are developed further.

Imagine the sex

Sandtrap · July 29, 2014, 11:12:19 AM

Quote from: Focnr on July 29, 2014, 11:05:20 AM

If memories don't decay and stay in place, then they wouldn't be atoms because the atoms decay and are replaced. I take that to mean we have a soul and higher purpose/power.

Aha, but not all memories. We can succumb to brain damage, contract diseases that errode our memories and so on. Atoms decay over time, but they are never destroyed. At a core level, an atom is always still around. You don't ever "lose" atoms, or gain them. They are simply re-purposed.

In that regard, I mean that the universe itself is a living entity. And we are a part of it, much like the cells in our own bodies. But we are simply bound to our level of perspective. Yes, we may have a soul. But we are not distinct in this manner, because we are the universe, and it is us.

MattyFez · July 29, 2014, 11:12:47 AM

Virtual sexy tiems!

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM

what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.

Because theories and discussion are cool

rC · July 29, 2014, 11:14:40 AM

Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.
Because theories and discussion are cool

i cringe when people come up with "theories" about fields that they have no knowledge of. discussion is great, but don't act like you can figure out the universe from reading the title of a Wikipedia article.

Focnr · July 29, 2014, 11:16:39 AM

Quote from: Sandtrap on July 29, 2014, 11:12:19 AM

Quote from: Focnr on July 29, 2014, 11:05:20 AM
If memories don't decay and stay in place, then they wouldn't be atoms because the atoms decay and are replaced. I take that to mean we have a soul and higher purpose/power.

Aha, but not all memories. We can succumb to brain damage, contract diseases that erode our memories and so on. Atoms decay over time, but they are never destroyed. At a core level, an atom is always still around. You don't ever "lose" atoms, or gain them. They are simply re-purposed.

In that regard, I mean that the universe itself is a living entity. And we are a part of it, much like the cells in our own bodies. But we are simply bound to our level of perspective. Yes, we may have a soul. But we are not distinct in this manner, because we are the universe, and it is us.

I don't disagree.

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:17:01 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:14:40 AM

Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.
Because theories and discussion are cool
figure out the university.

lol

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · July 29, 2014, 11:17:14 AM

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rC · July 29, 2014, 11:18:48 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on July 29, 2014, 11:17:14 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:14:40 AM
Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.
Because theories and discussion are cool
i cringe when people come up with "theories" about fields that they have no knowledge of. discussion is great, but don't act like you can figure out the university from reading the title of a Wikipedia article.
I saw nothing in his post that insinuates that he believes he knows everything about this field. I'm not sure what you're reading.

muh memories are time travel
muh memories are physical
muh sting theory

Just stop.

cxfhvxgkcf-56:7 · July 29, 2014, 11:20:15 AM

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Sandtrap · July 29, 2014, 11:20:36 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM

what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.

On the contrary, that's about as wrong as you can get. A hard drive bears a lot of similarities to memories. But if you break things down, on the smallest level you can, that data, that information stored in particles and electric impulses, is physical because everything in existence is grounded on the interactions of atomic structures. String theory is the idea that a particle exists with a potential. A long string of what it could be, what it could form, and what it could come out as. And it's been proven in their tests with random outcomes every time.

A memory holds more weight than you know. It produces emotions, it produces thoughts, which in turn can translate into you acting based off them in the here and now, which in turn influences the future.

The point of this thread, is to step back and look at things in a different potential light.

rC · July 29, 2014, 11:21:24 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on July 29, 2014, 11:20:15 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:18:48 AM
Quote from: SoporificSlash on July 29, 2014, 11:17:14 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:14:40 AM
Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.
Because theories and discussion are cool
i cringe when people come up with "theories" about fields that they have no knowledge of. discussion is great, but don't act like you can figure out the university from reading the title of a Wikipedia article.
I saw nothing in his post that insinuates that he believes he knows everything about this field. I'm not sure what you're reading.
muh memories are time travel
muh memories are physical
muh sting theory

Just stop.
Still nothing that explains your accusation of him claiming he knows everything about this field.

That was more of a general statement. I said it makes me cringe when people do that. I didn't accuse him of claiming to know everything in that field, I only implied that what he was doing is similar.

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:22:44 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:18:48 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on July 29, 2014, 11:17:14 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:14:40 AM
Quote from: Grapes on July 29, 2014, 11:13:24 AM
Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.
Because theories and discussion are cool
i cringe when people come up with "theories" about fields that they have no knowledge of. discussion is great, but don't act like you can figure out the university from reading the title of a Wikipedia article.
I saw nothing in his post that insinuates that he believes he knows everything about this field. I'm not sure what you're reading.
muh memories are time travel
muh memories are physical
muh sting theory

Just stop.

OP sucks Gods cock

Grapes · July 29, 2014, 11:23:30 AM

YouTube

Relevant?

rC · July 29, 2014, 11:25:27 AM

Quote from: Sandtrap on July 29, 2014, 11:20:36 AM

Quote from: RC5908 on July 29, 2014, 11:11:03 AM
what is the point of this thread. memories are simply some combination of chemicals and electrical impulses. there's nothing more to it. a hard drive is as mysterious and powerful as a memory is, which is to say it isn't.

On the contrary, that's about as wrong as you can get. A hard drive bears a lot of similarities to memories. But if you break things down, on the smallest level you can, that data, that information stored in particles and electric impulses, is physical because everything in existence is grounded on the interactions of atomic structures. String theory is the idea that a particle exists with a potential. A long string of what it could be, what it could form, and what it could come out as. And it's been proven in their tests with random outcomes every time.

A memory holds more weight than you know. It produces emotions, it produces thoughts, which in turn can translate into you acting based off them in the here and now, which in turn influences the future.

The point of this thread, is to step back and look at things in a different potential light.

Memories and hard drives both use physical mediums for storage. They're fundamentally the same. Obviously, we don't quite understand how memories work yet, but that doesn't mean that anyone relevant assumes that there's anything unexplainable going on.

A hard drive can hold just as much weight as a memory. What if that hard drive contains the launch codes for a middle defense system? The actions of that artificial system can have much more widespread effects than a human spurred by an emotional reaction to a memory.

Nascent Email · July 29, 2014, 11:40:55 AM

We can implant memories from one rat to another.

The more you know.

Korra · July 29, 2014, 11:52:40 AM

I just love your posts, Sandtrap.