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Can You Develop an Eidetic Memory?

Copyright © Mark Beselt

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An eidetic memory (or photographic memory) is the ability to remember vivid images and sounds with astonishing precision.

The term comes from the Greek word eidos which means "seen" and refers to the extraordinarily vivid recall of visual scenes.

But is such a phenomenon real? And can anyone develop a photographic memory?

Myths About Photographic Memory

There are two conflicting myths about having an eidetic memory which throws the concept into controversy...

Myth #1 - The term photographic memory is a misnomer. It implies that, once captured, the memory remains perfectly intact and can't possibly be faulted because it is so immaculately ingrained in the first place. In truth, an eidetic memory is subject to the same factors as regular memory: how long they looked at the stimulus, how many repeat exposures they had, and whether they gave it much conscious attention.

The technical definition of an eidetic memory is to have such a vivid impression of an event that the eideticker can still see the scene in their mind's eye after it has disappeared from view. However since the stimulus is not literally there, and depending on all those observational factors, it can't really be said to be a literal photographic impression.

Myth #2 - Just because someone has a very impressive memory, it doesn't mean they have an eidetic memory. Often the term is overused. In many cases, so-called eidetickers are just really good at learning, concentration, and connecting seemingly unconnected information - perhaps through the cognitive cross-wiring phenomenon of synaesthesia. They may also instinctively use natural mnemonic devices to aid their learning and recall which, to the casual observer, appears positively magical.

The American cognitive scientist, Marvin Minsky, believes eidetic memory doesn't even exist at all - while others say it exists, but only in a miniscule percentage of the population. Indeed, recent studies suggest that true eidetickers possess a lot of raw, unprocessed information. This separates it from any other kind of memory feat - because in all non-eidetickers the data must still be identified and attached with meaning to be recalled.

Autism and Synaesthesia

Do autistic people have an eidetic memory? Everyone knows that certain people in the autistic spectrum (particularly those with Asperger syndrome) can display amazing mental processes. However in most cases this is not considered a photographic memory, but rather an impressive memory and attention to detail in their own right.

However, in the following video, Daniel Tammet demonstrates a stunning application of what must be an eidetic memory. A British writer with high-functioning autism and savant syndrome, Daniel is able to calculate complex sums in his head, recite Pi to 22,500 decimal places, and learn Icelandic (one of the world's most difficult languages) in just one week...

What makes Daniel Tammet so special? Aside from his remarkable genius, he has unusually complex synaesthesia, opening doors for scientists looking to study the mind of a savant. "Savants can't usually tell us how they do what they do. It just comes to them," said Professor Allan Snyder of Tammet's condition. "Daniel can describe what he sees in his head. That's why he's exciting. He could be the Rosetta Stone."

The Eidetic Memory Test

Chances are, if you have an eidetic memory (or even a really powerful memory in its own right) you probably already know about it. In children, the condition is diagnosed by having the child study an image for 30 seconds, then testing their recall. True eidetickers claim to be able to still see the image on the blank canvas after it has disappeared.

So do you have an eidetic memory? Test your photographic memory skills now by looking at the two images in this video, and try to mentally superimpose one on top of the other. If you can make out a clear third image, then you have a photographic memory.

Can You Develop a Photographic Memory?

Is it really possible for the layperson to develop an eidetic memory?

I'm afraid that's going a little overboard. True eidetickers are indeed rare and they are usually born with the ability and develop it further during childhood, sometimes after a brain trauma as in Daniel Tammet's case.

Although Tammet is an extreme example, eidetic ability certainly requires an extraordinary brain and a different way of perceiving the world. I don't believe we are all wired this way - although it could certainly be a possible next step in our evolution.

There are websites which claim to teach you how to develop a photographic memory but they are typically selling general memory improvement techniques. These are still great to learn but don't expect to wake up one morning with a photographic ability - certainly not in the literal sense of the word.

Still, it is possible to develop an impressive memory through brain training, mnemonics, and other mental conditioning. Derren Brown has demonstrated some impressive memory feats on his TV shows. And it's even said that one of the world's memory champions once suffered a terrible memory, and became a memory champion by learning advanced mnemonic techniques...

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