Thread by @MemoryJohnG

The most powerful memory technique in the history of mankind
(that school NEVER taught you) is...

THE MEMORY PALACE

Here's a Brief History & How-To Use One (Thread) 👇

Memory champions (like myself) use memory palaces to achieve superhuman feats.

It's how I can remember a 296 digit # in 5 mins.

It's how the World Record for pi is 70,030 digits recited.

It can be used for any large, long-term memory storage.

SIMPLE enough for anyone to use.

HISTORY
The Greek poet, Simonides, invented the method around 500 BC.

According to legend, Simonides was at a banquet of honored guests.

During dinner, he went outside to receive a message.

When he stepped out, the roof collapsed, crushing everyone inside beyond recognition.

Simonides was able to identify each of the mangled bodies for burial by MENTALLY reconstructing the seating arrangement from memory.

Simonides discovered that by using LOCATIONS to arrange MENTAL IMAGERY, the mind could remember incredible amounts of information...in order.

HOW TO USE
(4 Steps)

1) Pick a PLACE you know well:
-your home, where you work, a park

2) Choose 20 specific LOCATIONS within this place:
-mailbox, fireplace, stove, sink, etc.

3) Number these 20 locations in a logical ORDER/path
1) mailbox, 2) front step, 3) front door...

4) Place MENTAL IMAGES, that represent each piece of information, at each LOCATION.

To remember the Elements in order:

At Location #1, imagine a fire hydrant. Hydrant sounds like Hydrogen.

Location #2, imagine a helium balloon = Helium

Location #3, lithium battery = Lithium

Imagine the images INTERACTING with the locations.
(This cements the visual into memory)

1) Fire hydrant blasts water and knocks over your mailbox.

2) Helium balloon popping on your front step.

3) Giant lithium batteries inserted in your front door.

Fun Fact:

It's believed that the phrases:

"In the first place, in the second place,"

come from the memory palace technique.

You can create memory palaces with AS MANY locations as you wish.

I have 100+ memory palaces (this is extreme).

Use them to remember long lists (US presidents, bones of the body, 118 elements) or memorize a presentation/speech.

CREATE ONE and let me know what questions u have

I am the reigning USA Memory Champion...

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