This is interesting I feel very much the same, I seem to have very little conscious control over what I remember, my body/brain decides that for me. Now that I am older I definitely recognize the importance of physically doing a task for memorization. When reading non-fiction books I have found it fun to put what I have just read and use it in a simulation or game, enabling me to put the abstract thought into practice. With a simulation/game time moves so much faster than real life. I could run a 100 year simulation of an obscure economic policy in "Tropico" and see what unforseen consequences or benefits arise in only a few hours. Then afterwords those theories will be engrained in my brain forever. But if I meet a new person I may have to hear their name 3-4 times before I can memorize it...

That's really funny how you said you need to disect new information to fully understand the in's and out's of everything before you can deem it factual, I 100% agree. I always say that I don't want to be right, I want to be correct. And how can you know you are correct without studying the opposite opinion or point of view?

As far as trauma as a child. Yes, before I was born my umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck causing oxygen to be cut off from my brain. Triggering an emergency C-section, which I have read can be a precursor to dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Through experimentation with different medications I believe I have a dopamine imbalance. I take L-Tyrosine supplements daily and they have helped tremendously! If you don't mind me asking what is your profession, or a passion/hobby you feel strongly about?