Jon Macro

I was basically unable to memorise poetry. I was good at languages because I had a good memory for facts. I amassed a French teacher by reciting the days of the week but not in the normal sequence!

I have a BS in Physics. Some 5 decades later I now know why I ran out of steam. My mathematics were the limiting factor; I couldn't get the hang of matrix transformations, literally a block. I had a good memory so was good at descriptive and experimental stuff which got me through.   Thankfully I turned down an offer of a PhD in astronomy... .

You describe my experience well. I can't picture faces; as I walk up to them I can't remember their name; but as I say hello their name comes out with no problem. I also have an excellent sense of direction even though I can't visualise the map in my head. Seems like we compensate in the same way.

I am a 75 year old INTJ who discovered last year that I have aphantasia. Although I have a degree in Physics, I was limited by the fact I couldn't imagine how the advanced math worked. It seems I compensate by remembering facts. I often find myself reviewing facts old or new.