A man by the name Ebbinghaus did extensive studies on memory retention. Ultimately, he developed a profound resource called the “Forgetting Curve.” The curve measures the decrease in memory retention over a period of time. This curve is helpful for instructors and teachers to recognize how people retain information most effectively, and how fast people actually forget obtained knowledge.

The curve is a reminder of how easy and fast we truly forget if there is no attempt at retention. Despite God being the most important thing in our lives, we can easily forget Him if we make no attempts at retaining Him in remembrance. Here is the most critical point the curve makes about forgetfulness: the curve demonstrates the theory that humans quickly begin to lose knowledge learned over time unless the information is consciously reviewed time and time again.⁶

We can conclude from the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve if we don’t remind ourselves to dwell on principles of God, lessons learned from God, and recognizing the hand of God in our lives, we will forget God over time, and we will forget how cherished His principles are in our lives. We must live and study the plan of God to remember God.

Alma reminds us that those who forget God for a time can eventually wake up and remember Him again and change their lives. Alma reminded us that even some of the people of Noah were able to be changed by God through hearing the words of his father: “Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them” (Alma 5:7).