At my age memory memory muscles are weak so I use my physical muscles to add memory. For instance, if I must remember to shut the garage door, but I have several tasks or expect interruptions before doing so, I keep an index finger pointed or put my hand behind me, and that cues me to remember the garage door. It has also helped me remember names, addresses, and dates spoken to me and that I need to write downlater when I get a chance. Sometimes my cue is picking up a book or teacup and carrying it until I can address what I wanted to remember.
Great article. More people need to discover the art of memory. If you’re interested in learning more about it, I’m sharing new translations of old Latin books about memory over at my stack.
Mnemonics is super easy. Barely an inconvenience. And it’s fun.
A few times, the Loci method saved me from failing an exam while studying the day before. However, it is worth noting that mnemonic techniques are great for short-term retention but poor for long-term.
Now that there is better understanding of the diversity inside our heads, perhaps this sort of thing will be re-thought. Aphantasia affects perhaps 5% of the population, perhaps more, as the condition becomes better known.
I had a comment to make, but I forgot it. LOL
At my age memory memory muscles are weak so I use my physical muscles to add memory. For instance, if I must remember to shut the garage door, but I have several tasks or expect interruptions before doing so, I keep an index finger pointed or put my hand behind me, and that cues me to remember the garage door. It has also helped me remember names, addresses, and dates spoken to me and that I need to write downlater when I get a chance. Sometimes my cue is picking up a book or teacup and carrying it until I can address what I wanted to remember.
See, this doesn't work for those of us with aphantasia.
i really don't get aphantasia. how do you remember anything?
Great article. More people need to discover the art of memory. If you’re interested in learning more about it, I’m sharing new translations of old Latin books about memory over at my stack.
Mnemonics is super easy. Barely an inconvenience. And it’s fun.
“Method of Loci” has been a cornerstone of my knowledge base for years! Nice to see it being more widely discussed!
A few times, the Loci method saved me from failing an exam while studying the day before. However, it is worth noting that mnemonic techniques are great for short-term retention but poor for long-term.
In his "Confessions" St. Augustine talks about the palace of memory. It's a fabulous read.
Isn’t this from the book moonwalking with Einstein
Now that there is better understanding of the diversity inside our heads, perhaps this sort of thing will be re-thought. Aphantasia affects perhaps 5% of the population, perhaps more, as the condition becomes better known.
I use HOT and LOT to remember scenes