Super memory trick you can learn

Chapter 1 Preface
Thousands of years ago, philosophers and educators understood the importance and value of a fast and lasting memory.Since the days of Simonides, countless memory training systems have been presented.Most of them are realized by pure association of ideas and on the basis of this association.However, the facts have proved that these methods have not really improved memory and have no practical value.To divert attention from the only rational method of memory training, which is conventional memory training in a proper physical and mental state, and to adopt such far-fetched associations, in most cases, may be harmful to people's minds and psychology.What the creators of these memory systems boasted about, yet what they lacked was a basic knowledge of memory and of the physical and mental states that regulate it in its operation.They speak forcefully, steadfastly proclaiming what they call their "Great Discovery," and promising amazing rewards to anyone who buys their "psychological formula."

The making of associations between ideas, it doesn't matter what it's called one way or the other, is the principal method of all these systems of memory training, and this method has long since been elucidated by Aristotle beyond clarity.Those so-called "significant discoveries" are at best a new name for the original memory principle; those so-called new methods that sound like a powerful and unconstrained style are actually nothing more than the reproduction of the original system.

Today, we have a definite advantage in at least one respect over philosophers who have pioneered the field before.Now, advances in physiological research have shown us clearly the close relationship between mental activity and subtle changes in specific brain nervous systems.As a result, we now have a better and clearer understanding than ever before of the physiological conditions that determine memory persistence and reusability.

In the following articles, we do not attempt to create a new memory training system.We will focus on the value and importance of good memory, describe the memory of memory geniuses, and explain the physiological conditions that favor memory.Our aim has been to explore as far as possible the rules by which ideas are produced, with particular emphasis on the natural connection between good attention, scientific planning, and the ordering of ideas, all of which are essential to a good memory of.As emphasized by the method of rational memory, regular training of memory is very important, especially for students.

For memorizing the knowledge points of specific subjects, the value of mnemonics is indeed worthy of recognition.But these mnemonic systems can't really help people improve their ability to remember.When I teach at the University of Alma, whenever students need to memorize strings, numbers, prose, rhetoric, and a new language, I give them hints and outlines to help them memorize. This is the best way .

In short, our goal is to guide students wisely along the path of rational memory training.At the same time, let them remember that books, teachers, and memory-training systems are useful, but of little use to them in themselves;However, as long as they can persist in exercising their memory in the correct state, their memory ability will surely undergo a qualitative leap.

(End of this chapter)