Moonwalking With Einstein

The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

Joshua Foer

  Moonwalking with Einstein explains how memory works and gives techniques for improving memory. It also explains why the art of memory has declined over-ages.

Train to Improve Memory; It’s Not Fixed

Learn how to use the capacity of your memory correctly. One technique to improve memory is the phonological loop method where you repeat things that have to be remembered. Another way to improve memory in a specific field is to be an expert in that field. 

Change the Way You Store Information on the Brain

One important way to remember numbers is called chunking. It is combining information into larger pieces that are easy to remember. If you want to memorize a string of numbers, covert it into dates. Another way to improve memory is called the elaborative encoding which is making information as vivid as possible. Employ sensual clues for remembering like smell, sight etc.

We Also Remember Unconsciously.

Our brain can to remember things consciously and unconsciously. There are two kinds of memories: declarative and non-declarative memory. Memories that we can recall are called declarative memory like the color of our car. Memories that are stored unconsciously are called non-declarative memory. Swimming and cycling are examples are non-declarative memories.  For a proper working memory, utilize both declarative and non-declarative memories.

Memory an Important Skill in Ancient Times

In earlier times, memorization professionals existed as recalling information was important for oral tradition. Written language was limited so history and culture were passed down through memorization. Before the mass-production of books, precise memory was important.  It declined after the invention of the printing press. With books, people didn’t have to memorize they could refer to a book. Now rely on books, internet, and smartphone for information than our brain.

Schools Need to Teach Students Memory Techniques for Their Improvement in Studies

Children are taught in rote memorization when they learn information in school.  Studies have proven that this can worsen their memory. To develop memory we need to practice the right techniques.

To Remember Names Turn Them into Images

It is easy to remember things when the context is given. Make an association with the sound of the person’s name and a vivid image. For instance, if someone’s surname is Baker associate it with the occupation of a baker. This will create large network of associations in the brain making it easier to remember things.

Use Emotions or Images to Remember Lengthy Texts

To remember a larger text like a poem, you can create a series of images or use a pun in a similar sounding word. Sexual or funny images and puns works the best as our brain remember these types of images easily. Using emotions is another technique to remember poems. Break the poem into small part and assign each part an emotion. If the poem is about seasons, one could assign love for spring and sadness for winter.

The Memory Palace

The memory palace or the method of loci is assigning every image a certain place or route that stands out in your mind. Choose a building or a route you are familiar with. Take your childhood home as an example. Mentally place images you want to remember in specific rooms of your house. Use one room to remember connected information or a particular subject. For multiple subjects, use different rooms. Use can also use your route to work or the favorite walk around the lake for storing information.

The art of memorization has declined over a long time especially after printing press was invented. We now rely on books and technology for information. However, with right techniques and practice anyone can attain excellent memory skills. Use sex, humor and emotions to anchor things in your mind.

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