Moonwalking with Einstein: Key Takeaways

“Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything” by Joshua Foer

Quick takeaways:

• Memories are not innate gift – it could be learned. Basic one is paying attention, being deeply engaged.
• World Champions use visual memory (spatial memory and navigation)! – distribute images along familiar spatial journey
• “Mind Palace” – intimately familiar space such as childhood home; Dropping funny & bizzare image room to room! The crazier the more unforgettable.
• Many memory techniques are ancient back in 2,500 years ago in Ancient Greece. It was essential to spread ideas through memories when words/scrolls/numbers did not exist; when there were no tools to externalise our memories.
• Use multisensorial / electorate / colourful / vivid image. Human are hunter-gatherers who are genetically trained to identify food and trace route. Good at visual memory!
• “Chunking”: cut up meaningless string of information into meaningful data
• Top chess player / chicken sexer: mere pattern recognition recalling from long-term memory based on experience; no cognitive advantage
• More chronological landmark (eventful) to make time seems longer; novelty unfolds time!
• We should breakthrough our “OK plateau” by studying & eliminating our failure over and over again. Get immediate feedback from experts.
• Distraction is the memory competitor’s greatest enemy. They wear earmuff and safety googles with pinholes.