Memory the key to consciousness

Synopsis

Memory is perhaps the most extraordinary phenomenon in the natural world. Every person's brain holds literally millions of bits of information in long-term storage. This vast memory store includes our extensive vocabulary and knowledge of language; the tremendous and unique variety of facts we've amassed; all the skills we've learned, from walking and talking to musical and athletic performance; many of the emotions we feel; and the continuous sensations, feelings and understandings of the world we term ?consciousness.' And we routinely access this tremendous volume of data in the blink of an eye. Without memory, there can be no mind as we understand it.