Could Forgetting Things Actually Make You Smarter?

Forgetting is often seen as a flaw in human intelligence—something to be avoided at all costs. Most of us worry about our memory when we misplace keys, forget names, or fail to recall information at the right moment. But what if forgetting was not only normal, but also essential for becoming smarter? Recent advances in neuroscience suggest that forgetting may be a purposeful function of the brain, improving decision-making, creativity, and efficiency. At betterhealthfacts.com, we explore unusual and thought-provoking health and science topics, and this one challenges a deep-rooted belief: Is memory loss always bad, or could it sometimes be the secret to intelligence?

Why the Brain Forgets

The human brain is not a perfect storage device. It is a dynamic, living organ with about 86 billion neurons interconnected by trillions of synapses. Every memory is a network of neurons firing together. But unlike a computer hard drive, our brain is designed to prioritize useful information, discard outdated details, and reorganize knowledge for better functionality. Neuroscientists refer to this process as memory pruning—a system in which unused or less relevant connections weaken over time, allowing stronger and more useful connections to dominate.

Far from being a failure, forgetting may be an adaptive mechanism that allows humans to remain flexible in a constantly changing world. If we remembered every detail of every event, our brains would be overwhelmed with information, making it harder to focus on what really matters.

According to Blake Richards, a neuroscientist at the University of Toronto, "Forgetting is not a failure of memory. It’s a functional feature that the brain employs to help us make better decisions by discarding irrelevant information."

The Science Behind Memory Pruning

Research in neuroscience shows that memories are stored in patterns of synaptic connections between neurons. However, these connections are not permanent. The brain goes through a natural process of strengthening or weakening synapses, depending on how often they are used. This is called synaptic plasticity. Synaptic connections that are rarely used tend to fade, while frequently accessed memories become stronger.

One important process behind this is synaptic pruning, which is especially active during childhood and adolescence but continues throughout life. Just like gardeners trim unnecessary branches so a plant can grow stronger, the brain trims away less useful connections, keeping the memory system efficient and adaptable.

Another process is called neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus—the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Neurogenesis helps refresh the memory system, but it also comes with a trade-off: as new neurons integrate, old memories may weaken. This might seem like a drawback, but in reality, it prevents the brain from becoming overloaded and allows it to learn new things more effectively.

Forgetting as a Tool for Smarter Decisions

One of the strongest arguments for the value of forgetting is its role in decision-making. Every day, we face countless choices—what to eat, how to respond to a problem at work, or how to interact with others. If our brains remembered every single detail from every past experience, even irrelevant ones, decision-making would be slow and confusing.

A study published in the journal Neuron suggested that forgetting allows the brain to focus on the gist of experiences rather than cluttering decision-making with unnecessary details.

In other words, forgetting helps us generalize from past experiences. Instead of recalling every single time you drove to work, your brain consolidates a general memory of the route. That generalization helps you make decisions efficiently—like choosing an alternate road when there is traffic—without being bogged down by irrelevant details such as the color of the car you followed yesterday.

Forgetting and Creativity

Creativity often depends on seeing patterns in new ways, breaking free from rigid thought processes, and combining ideas in unexpected ways. Here, too, forgetting plays a surprising role. By removing unnecessary or outdated associations, the brain makes space for fresh connections. This can enhance divergent thinking, the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem.

Neuroscientist Michael Anderson of the University of Cambridge has argued that forgetting can actually promote creativity by preventing the brain from becoming "cluttered" with old, irrelevant memories.

When the brain forgets specific details, it may allow us to focus more on the bigger picture. This ability to abstract and reframe is at the heart of creative thinking. Many artists, writers, and scientists report that forgetting allows them to look at problems differently, creating innovative solutions.

Efficiency and Mental Energy

Forgetting also conserves mental energy. Remembering requires effort: neurons must maintain synaptic connections, and recalling information involves activating specific brain circuits. If the brain tried to keep every piece of information equally accessible, it would waste valuable resources.

Instead, forgetting ensures that only relevant and frequently used information stays readily available. This efficiency reduces mental fatigue and helps the brain focus on what truly matters in the moment.

When Forgetting Becomes a Problem

Of course, not all forgetting is beneficial. Memory loss caused by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, is harmful. In these cases, forgetting disrupts daily life, erases meaningful relationships, and diminishes independence. Similarly, severe memory lapses caused by trauma, head injuries, or other neurological disorders are not adaptive but pathological.

It is important to distinguish between normal, functional forgetting and memory loss that signals a medical problem. Occasional forgetfulness—like forgetting where you placed your phone or mixing up a minor detail—is part of normal brain function. But consistent and disruptive memory loss should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

The Balance Between Remembering and Forgetting

The key to intelligence may lie in striking a balance between remembering and forgetting. We need to remember core facts, important skills, and meaningful life experiences. At the same time, we benefit from forgetting unnecessary details, outdated information, or painful memories that no longer serve us.

Interestingly, sleep plays a crucial role in this balance. During sleep, especially deep sleep and REM cycles, the brain consolidates important memories while also pruning irrelevant ones. This nighttime housekeeping may be one reason why good sleep is strongly linked to learning, problem-solving, and creativity.

Practical Implications: Can We Control Forgetting?

While we cannot fully control what we forget, certain practices can influence memory in positive ways. Repetition and rehearsal strengthen memories, while neglect or lack of retrieval makes them fade. Mindfulness and attention during learning also improve memory retention, while stress and distraction often impair it.

On the flip side, practices like "directed forgetting"—consciously choosing to let go of unhelpful thoughts—can reduce mental clutter. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, sometimes teaches patients to reframe or release painful memories, showing that intentional forgetting can support mental health and resilience.

Forgetting as Emotional Resilience

Forgetting is not only about cognitive efficiency; it also plays a role in emotional well-being. Holding onto every negative experience can lead to anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. By allowing painful details to fade, the brain helps us recover emotionally and focus on the present.

Emotional forgetting can also improve social relationships. By forgetting minor conflicts, we avoid holding grudges and allow forgiveness to occur. This flexibility makes social life smoother and more adaptive.

Conclusion: Forgetting is Part of Being Smarter

The idea that forgetting can make us smarter challenges traditional views of memory. Instead of striving to remember everything, neuroscience suggests that selective forgetting is not only normal but also beneficial. It supports decision-making, enhances creativity, conserves mental energy, and promotes emotional resilience. In short, forgetting is not the enemy of intelligence—it may be one of its most vital allies.

As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of memory, one lesson becomes clear: intelligence is not just about what we remember, but also about what we forget. At betterhealthfacts.com, we believe that rethinking common assumptions about the brain can empower people to embrace the complexity of human intelligence—and to see forgetting not as a weakness, but as a hidden strength.