[imranq]

I would argue that memory is even more important now since it allows you to think of new things and connect things in your head. Even if we had a neural chip that gave us all of Wikipedia, it would not be the same as intentionally studying something and memorizing it.

While it's a lot easier to get superficial knowledge, the ability to do something deeply is an incredibly valuable skill that is powered by memory. Heck even Euler, one of the greatest mathemeticians of all time had a phenomenal memory and could recite any verse from the Aeneid at will - I don't doubt that memory was a critical component of his success.