Memory consists of two stages: working memory (or short-term memory), and long-term memory. Each stage is responsible for a different type of function for acquiring information for the brain to process. Working memory gathers material from the visuospatial sketchpad, phonological loop, central executive, and the episodic buffer, and then processes said information. After analyzing the information, one must make a personal connection to it, in order to retain this information in the long-term memory. Several steps can be taken in order to relate the material to oneself, such as relating it to personal memories, past experiences, and any other relatable events. When the information is solidified in the long-term memory, that memory will always be stored for future usage. But what would happen if memory ceased to exist?

If memory is erased, then two hypothetical factors may be explored; one dealing with a psychological lens, and the other dealing with a philosophical lens. The psychological aspect would focus more on the biological components, such as how we could function. Without memory, we would be unable to remember names, faces, smells, touches, directions, sounds, etc; our senses would seem useless because we cannot apply them to further enhance our knowledge. An even deeper look at the biological aspect would be an analysis of the organ system. If organs forgot how to operate, such as the heart pumping blood and oxygen, then one would die from heart-failure. This ideology can be applied to photosynthesis for plant life and survival instincts in animal life.

Another way to look at this problem would be with a philosophical mindset through deductive reasoning. If we cannot remember something, then we cannot recall something. If we cannot recall something, then we cannot make proper and informed decisions on a certain topic, such as solving problems. Therefore, if we cannot remember something, then we cannot solve problems in a coherent manner. If an epidemic occurred and our memory was erased, how would we know about past events? Documentation. Pictures. Museums. But what about the things that are not recorded, such as feelings towards a person, or passions about certain activities, etc. This means that racism and sexism would be erased, and we would be closer to achieving equality for all persons on Earth. The downside is that doctors and medical professionals would be unable to perform procedures or proper diagnoses, chefs and culinary experts would cease to know how to properly prepare safe food to eat, governments would no longer exist, and so many more key comments to life would be changed!

This is why documentation is important for key historical proponents. Although memory-loss epidemic may not occur, it is important to note the importance of memory and to understand how much we rely on this mental process. Without memory, human existence could take a major setback, because everyone would need to relearn language, communication skills, survival methods; human existence would be living in a technologically advanced world with a clueless mindset. Since we cannot rely on one mechanism to remember past events, we must come together to ensure something like this can never happen. Together, we can document the lives and viewpoints of other people and share stories for future generations to discuss. We have to safely preserve our traditions by coming together as a whole. If we do not share the information about our own history with one another, then we might face a similar outcome like the organ located in Pfleeger Concert Hall.