Based on these fascinating insights about how the brain manages memory and forgetting, we can adopt several key strategies to optimize learning and retention:

1. Prioritize meaningful connections:
   As Elon Musk suggests, assigning meaning and relevance to new information is crucial. When learning, we should actively seek to understand why a piece of information matters and how it connects to our existing knowledge or real-world applications. This process of creating meaningful associations helps signal to our brain that this information is worth retaining.

2. Spaced repetition:
   Given that the brain naturally tends to forget over time, we can leverage spaced repetition techniques. This involves reviewing information at increasingly longer intervals, which challenges the brain to recall and reinforces the neural pathways associated with that memory. Tools like flashcard apps or scheduling regular review sessions can help implement this strategy effectively.

3. Active recall:
   Instead of passively re-reading material, engage in active recall practices. This might involve self-quizzing, explaining concepts to others, or writing summaries from memory. These activities force the brain to retrieve information, strengthening the memory traces and making them more resistant to forgetting.

4. Contextual variety:
   Expose yourself to the information in different contexts and formats. This could mean studying in various locations, using diverse learning materials (text, video, audio), or applying the knowledge to different problem-solving scenarios. This variety helps create multiple neural pathways to the same information, increasing the likelihood of retention.

5. Chunking and organization:
   Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks. Organize these chunks into logical structures or frameworks. This approach aligns with the brain's tendency to filter and prioritize information, making it easier to process and remember larger bodies of knowledge.

6. Sleep and consolidation:
   Recognize the importance of sleep in memory consolidation. After learning sessions, ensure you get adequate sleep to allow your brain to process and strengthen new memories. Consider reviewing important information shortly before sleep to potentially enhance this process.

7. Practical application:
   Actively seek opportunities to apply what you're learning in practical scenarios. This not only reinforces the relevance of the information but also creates stronger, more diverse neural connections associated with that knowledge.

8. Metacognition and reflection:
   Regularly reflect on your learning process. Ask yourself what you've learned, what you're struggling with, and how new information relates to your existing knowledge. This metacognitive practice helps reinforce important concepts and identify areas needing more attention.

9. Manage information overload:
   Given the brain's limited capacity, be selective about what you attempt to memorize. Focus on core principles, frameworks, and truly essential details. For less critical information, develop good note-taking and organization systems so you can easily reference it when needed without overwhelming your memory.

10. Leverage the forgetting curve:
    Understand that forgetting is a natural and even beneficial process. Use it to your advantage by allowing some time to pass before reviewing material. This slight forgetting actually makes the subsequent retrieval more effective for long-term retention.

11. Interleaving:
    Instead of focusing on one topic for extended periods, mix up your study or practice sessions with different but related topics. This challenges the brain to continuously adapt and form stronger, more flexible neural connections.

By implementing these strategies, we can work with our brain's natural tendencies rather than against them. This approach not only enhances our ability to learn and retain information but also promotes more efficient and effective cognitive processing. In our professional lives, this can translate to faster skill acquisition, more adaptable knowledge bases, and improved problem-solving capabilities.

For software engineers, optimizing learning is crucial given the rapidly evolving nature of technology and the vast amount of information we need to manage. Here's a deeper dive into strategies specifically tailored for software engineers:

1. Just-in-time learning:
   Instead of trying to maintain comprehensive knowledge of every technology you've ever used, focus on having a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and principles. When you need to use a specific technology, refresh your knowledge just before you need it. This aligns with how our brain naturally prioritizes immediately relevant information.

2. Create a personal knowledge base:
   Develop a system (like a personal wiki, note-taking app, or even a GitHub repository) where you store key concepts, code snippets, and resources for various technologies. This serves as an external memory, allowing you to quickly refresh your knowledge without full relearning.

3. Practice active coding:
   Regularly engage in coding exercises or small projects that utilize a variety of technologies. This keeps your skills sharp and helps maintain neural pathways associated with different programming concepts.

4. Conceptual understanding over memorization:
   Focus on grasping the underlying concepts and patterns in software development rather than trying to memorize specific syntax or API details. Understanding the 'why' behind different approaches makes it easier to relearn or apply knowledge across different technologies.

5. Leverage analogies and mental models:
   Create strong mental models and analogies for complex concepts. These are often easier to remember and can be applied across different technologies. For example, understanding the concept of "lazy evaluation" can be applied in various contexts beyond just LINQ.

6. Engage in knowledge sharing:
   Regularly explain concepts to others through mentoring, writing blog posts, or giving presentations. This reinforces your understanding and helps identify areas where your knowledge might be fuzzy.

7. Strategic code reading:
   Regularly read high-quality code in the technologies you want to maintain proficiency in. This passive exposure can help maintain familiarity without the pressure of active recall.

8. Utilize spaced repetition for core concepts:
   For fundamental concepts that are universally applicable (like design patterns, algorithmic thinking, or database concepts), use spaced repetition techniques to maintain long-term retention.

9. Embrace the "beginner's mindset":
   When returning to a technology after a long time, approach it with curiosity rather than frustration. This mindset can make the process of refreshing your knowledge more enjoyable and effective.

10. Focus on transferable skills:
    Prioritize learning and maintaining skills that are transferable across different technologies. For example, understanding functional programming concepts can be applied in many languages beyond just those typically associated with functional programming.

11. Leverage AI and tooling:
    Use AI-powered coding assistants and advanced IDEs to help fill in syntax gaps. This allows you to focus on problem-solving and architecture while offloading some of the recall burden for specific implementation details.

12. Regular skill audits:
    Periodically assess your skills and knowledge areas. This helps identify which areas might need refreshing and prevents the feeling of needing to "relearn everything."

13. Contextual learning:
    When learning or refreshing knowledge, tie it to real-world projects or problems you're currently working on. This creates stronger, more relevant neural connections.

14. Micro-learning sessions:
    Instead of long, intensive study sessions, incorporate short, focused learning periods into your daily routine. This could be as simple as reading a technical article over coffee or solving a quick coding challenge.

By adopting these strategies, software engineers can work with their brain's natural tendencies, maintaining a high level of competence across various technologies without the need for constant, comprehensive relearning. This approach not only saves time but also reduces stress and promotes a more sustainable, lifelong learning mindset in the fast-paced world of software development.

Remember, it's not about knowing everything all the time, but about knowing how to quickly and efficiently access and apply the knowledge you need when you need it. Gaps in knowledge are normal and even beneficial, as they allow room for new learning and adaptation to emerging technologies and methodologies.