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Able Quote by Linus Pauling

“I have been especially fortunate for about 50 years in having two memory banks available-whenever I can't remember something I ask my wife, and thus I am able to draw on this auxiliary memory bank. Moreover, there is a second way In which I get ideas ... I listen carefully to what my wife says…” quote by Linus Pauling
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“I have been especially fortunate for about 50 years in having two memory banks available-whenever I can't remember something I ask my wife, and thus I am able to draw on this auxiliary memory bank. Moreover, there is a second way In which I get ideas ... I listen carefully to what my wife says, and in this way I often get a good idea. I recommend to ... young people ... that you make a permanent acquisition of an auxiliary memory bank that you can become familiar with and draw upon throughout your lives.”

Linus Pauling

About This Quote

Source Interview: 1972, The New York Times

He values an external memory source—his wife—to supplement his own recollection and spark ideas, recommending others to develop similar supportive relationships.

In simple terms: Use trusted partners as a memory and idea aid.

Key Takeaway

Create a reliable, collaborative knowledge network.

Themes

collaboration memory creativity

Mood

practical inspirational

Type

advice personal

When to use this quote

  • research
  • writing
  • problem solving
  • daily decision making

Key Concepts

cognitive science knowledge management

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who can you trust as your auxiliary memory?
  • How can you balance personal recall with external help?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on another may limit independence.

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