On TV today it was reported that in the UK there are 39 people with a perfect memory. For example, they can remember exactly what meals they had on any given date.
This must be terrible for them as they cannot forget the unhappy times in their life and the hurtful things that people have done to them.
On the other hand, they could benefit by having an easy time studying at school and obtaining first class honours degrees and perhaps an MBA.
They could also entertain by being actors, or memory men/women who can astound people by learning all about sporting events and challenging their audience to ask difficult questions.
They could also apply for a chance to go on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" or "The Million Pound Drop"
Personally, I would rather have my bad memory.
i have a photographic memory (but not a perfect one) and learn mostly by visual stimulus; can speed read at an enormous pace; but never forget loads of other crap that i see. so, you're right.....good for some stuff and bad for others. comes in handy for exams and essays, mind!!!
American actress Marilu Henner[Taxi actress etc) has what is known as
Hypermythesia she can remember back when she was 18mths old,she can recall dates events times etc,check her on google, fascinating, she says it is a gift.
My earliest memory was watching my mother hang out the washing when I was three.
My most embarrassing childhood memory was being a page boy at my sister's wedding.
She had me dressed up in a silk blue "Girlie" blouse and long velvet trousers which made my legs itch and, worst of all, I had to have my photograph taken holding the hand of a six year old bridesmaid.
I can laugh now, but then, UGH!
As a HGV driver I never got to this place South Norwood, London, the same way always different, that was 30+ years ago, If I had to go back there I would find it straight away, , if I am working on my car / home & put something down, can I remember where I've put it? Its murder at times when you can not remember things, I think it's an advantage if you have a good memory.