The physical basis of memory is the connections between neurons in the brain. When we learn something new, the relations between the neurons involved in that learning become stronger. This strengthening of connections is called synaptic plasticity. The stronger the connections between neurons, the more likely the memory will be stored and retrieved.

Up to here, it’s easy.

But how do we retrieve the information and think about our memories as time flies?

Nostalgia, the bittersweet longing for the past, has an uncanny capability to evoke cherished memories and emotions. 

We often find ourselves fondly reminiscing about times gone by, recalling experiences, people, and places. We also tend to paint our stories with ‘better’ colors, but that’s for another time.

How much of our nostalgia is a genuine representation of the past, and how much is a mirage created by our minds?