How are our memories formed? This is a simple question which I cannot answer properly. I will share some of the things I know, and you may probably want to learn more. Instinct vs learning Memories are extremely heterogenic. One way to differentiate memories: separate inborn vs acquired. Some memories were acquired by previous generations …
Zettelkasten
The best thing about mindmaps is the ease of rearranging the information. Entire branches can be moved with one operation. You do not get that with mental palaces. Yet, you need a computer to enjoy it… Or not? How did notetaking and mindmaps look like two hundred years ago? People used to research back then. You …
Shared memory
Is there such a thing as a national memory, a memory shared between many people and not specific to any person? Once I would be skeptical, but now I would argue, there is and we can become a part of it. Identity defined by the memory Our identity is often defined by our experiences. If …
Reading and writing history
We learn history for many reasons. When discussing WWII we want history to never repeat. Reading about the decline of Rome we want America to be great again. And reading about the Spanish flu we want to be wiser facing new pandemics. As we live, we also experience and write history. Can we really improve …
Using brands and logos for visualization
In some of my courses, I suggest using brands and logos for the visualization of complex ideas. I kind of assume that this is straightforward… What if it isn’t? Here I provide more guidelines and ideas… Avoid abstractions Our language is full of abstractions. When we visualize, we should really avoid abstractions, because how do …
Do not mess up with autobiographical memory
When you practice memory, make sure you do not encode over your deepest emotional experiences. Our memories can be fragile, and if we mess up with autobiographical memory our past will turn into a blur. There is some controversy about this point, so you are welcome to disagree. If you are ready to dive deep …
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Memory formation theory
What is the basic structure of our brains? How are our memory formed? Can we influence that? Do we need to rely on mnemonic devices each time? Will our memories get lost in translation? Today we will try to examine the most basic layer of memory. This article is important, so I will try to …
Not a memorable PAO
Some of my students cannot generate a memorable PAO. To be honest, this was hard for me too. Moreover, there are no good guides about it. There are great coaches that can help, but their availability is limited. So I decided to share some of my insights. If you cannot remember a visualization in a …
Against spaced repetitions
This is not a typo. I am actually arguing against spaced repetitions. For me, it is not the perfect solution for long-term memorization, but a hard choice for hard situations. What makes me go against the golden standard of long-term memory, and why? When spaced repetitions shine Spaced repetitions are great to remember rare words, …
History, markers and chunking added to the memory course
Following popular demand. I added 3 new sections to the memory course. The new sections deal with markers, big history, and chunking. I am planning to add more sections to the course in the future. You are welcome to send me a request for new content. Why is memory training so confusing? Since we start …
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