h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

And to you.

Get this: learning changes the brain. It does.

Can I get a better brain out of it, then?

My mother used to say, "I've forgotten more than you'll ever know." Look, I *know* that I'm destined to forget some stuff. My compensatory strategy is to learn more stuff, and hope the overall levels stay the same or even go up.

Does that make any sense?

Actually that makes a lot of sense to me, paul, and I find what you say to be very interesting.

Back in a bit, to think about this some more.

Interesting phrase, compensatory strategies. I've had to employ a few of them in my time, when it comes to learning, especially in my younger life. Trying to get through exams was not my strong point.

I guess we all have to work around our brain type to a certain extent. I'd love to be able to learn quantum physics and related subjects, but hey.. ain't gonna happen.

I forgot most facts I ever learned, after a bit of a turn in the 80s, but the important things return and I find my own way around learning.

Now I appreciate that essential magic spark of learning...

.. back inna

I love the essential spark of learning, even though my levels are elementary. I remember learning to do joined up writing, and learning to read, magic!

And 'tis fun here, attempting to translate Dmitri's Chaucerian poem, yay

So, hmm we all have a certain brain type? but learning can somehow keep the brain agile or even change its shape?

Neurology, thats another subject I' d love to learn, but...



Can too much knowledge sometimes have a contrary effect?

I know this lady who was born with a natural artistic gift. In the 60s she recieved a quality education at art school, and was awarded a prestigious qualifiction. So she was able to make a living from selling her work.

However she said to me that she has a grief because she sacrificed her childhood vision of the world,that crazy inspired wonky perspective. She could never unlearn what she learned and never has allowed herself to draw all wonky.

'Study and in general the pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.' Einstein, though he said it in German.

It's taken me years to draw all wonky! Trying to learn something new is often more fulfilling than actually learning it! (Probably why I'm rubbish at languages...including English!)

I'm reminded of the notion that each of our five senses has memory components. I try to remember how something looks, sounds, smells, feels, and (if applicable) tastes.

Peonies look divine, feel soft, and smell wonderful. I've tried tasting them, nor do I care what they sounds like.

Much the same can be said of Echinacea, roses, irises, and petunias.

Cats? Many of them look beautiful and graceful. They sound interesting when they purr, and most of them feel soft when I rub their fur. I've never tried to taste one, nor do I want to smell them, as cat smells are apt to be unpleasant.

The cake I;'m baking at the moment smells good, though a bit burnt on the top. It won't look like much, but I hope it will taste good. I won't feel it until it has cooled a bit. It won't sound like much of anything.

Interesting insights ye wise ones! Very fascinating!

Had such a long day I am wonky in every way right now haha but will consider our discussion, very inspiring!

Good writing can result from a multi-sensual approach. Think about a scene that's in your mind, and make it come alive in the way it looks, sounds, etc.

Yes, multi sensual writing is soo emotive.


Summer is a very fragrant season when cruising around on a bike. Deep breath ah cut grass, roses and things. Atishoo, sneeze, hay fever.

I can't describe fragrances though, in the way that the scent of a rose is like.. like.. Cos its not like anything except the scent of a rose.

There are exceptions, though. The smell of cloves is very much like the smell of petunias, carnations, and milkweed blossoms.

Apple blossoms have smell that is similar to a number of other blossoms.

When I smell roses, I think of tea leaves. There's even a type of rose called tea rose.

Echinacea smells like ripe peaches.

Butterfly bush smells like ripe blackberries.

Wild mint smells like cat pee... Not very poetic I know...

Maybe that's why it's called Catmint.