Moonwalking with Einstein Summary

Summary of Moonwalking with Einstein Book by Joshua Foer

Name: Moonwalking with Einstein
Rating: 4.5 (7015 reviews)
Author: Joshua Foer

4.5 . 7015 reviews

Short summary

Overview: An average person squanders 40 days annually compensating for things they've forgotten. The author of “Moonwalking with Einstein” Joshua Foer was once like that. After months of training his memory, however, he was able to reach the finals of the U.S. Memory Championship. Even more important, Foer discovered a simple, yet vital truth: In every way that matters, we are the sum of our memories. “Moonwalking with Einstein” draws on cutting-edge research, a surprising cultural history of remembering, and venerable tricks of the mentalist's trade to change our understanding of human memory. In this summary, you will learn the time-proven techniques of memory improvements, and understand that having a great memory is all about perseverance and creativity.

16 min

7 key points

12 insights

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Table of content

Summary of Moonwalking with Einstein
About the author
What is Moonwalking with Einstein about?
Who should read Moonwalking with Einstein
Topics in Moonwalking with Einstein

first key point

The importance of memory has declined progressively throughout history

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Nowadays, it often seems we remember very little. From forgetting where we left the car keys to forgetting the birthdays of people close to us, the vast majority of us find it quite difficult to commit things to memory. Yet, we humans didn't always have the attention span of a chicken.

Memory used to be mankind's most important asset.

In ancient times, early humans had nothing to do with thoughts than to remember them. There were no alphabets for the visual representation of words, neither were there notes and pen. Anything that had to be preserved had to be memorized. Any idea that would be transmitted, first had to be remembered.

While we write things down today precisely so we don’t have to hold them in our memories, people in the previous centuries used books as memory aids, and not as replacements for memory.

In fact, before the invention of basic punctuation in 200 B.C, all texts were basically strings of words that ran together in an unending stream of capital letters known as scriptio continua. Things were written mainly to help the writer memorize them. Reading was totally useless if you didn't already know what you're reading.

But everything changed after Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press circa 1440, and it all went downhill from there. Then, it became possible for almost everybody to have a trove of easily consulted external memories close at hand. The need to seriously commit things to memory no longer existed. People only needed to remember where to find the information or idea they needed.

Once we could store information externally, the need to remember things declined significantly.

The inception of supercomputers, smartphones, and the Internet has even worsened the situation in our modern society. To the current generation, memory has become even less important than it was to those in the previous century. Now, thanks to Google, we rarely have to remember anything more than the right set of search terms to access humankind’s collective memory.

A study conducted by neuropsychologists at Trinity College Dublin in 2007 discovered that fully a third of British residents under the age of thirty can’t remember even their own home landline number without checking their mobile phones. The same study found that 30% of adults can’t remember the birthdays of more than three immediate family members.

When you 're trying to master an art, how you spend your time practicing is much more vital than the amount of time you spend. ~ Joshua Foer

The good news is, our memory capacity isn't fixed. Just because our memory is bad now doesn’t mean we can’t improve it. All we have to do is learn how to use our memory capacity efficiently. In the next chapters, we'll examine some of the powerful techniques that can be used to commit anything to memory.

second key point

Commit things to memory easily by putting them in your memory palace

“Ad Herennium”, the oldest Latin book on rhetoric, makes a distinction between two types of human memory: the natural and artificial memory. Natural memory is that memory that is embedded in our minds. Artificial memory, on the other hand, is that memory which is strengthened by training and a system of discipline.

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third key point

Store long strings of information directly in your long-term memory by breaking them into chunks

fourth key point

Remember people's name by turning the names into vivid images

fifth key point

Memorize long texts by depicting them with images or emotions

sixth key point

Enhance the power of your memory palace with the Major System

seventh key point

Conclusion

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What is Moonwalking with Einstein about?

In this captivating exploration of memory, the author delves into the fascinating world of mental athletes and their extraordinary abilities to remember vast amounts of information. Through his personal journey, he uncovers ancient techniques and modern research that reveal the secrets behind memory enhancement. With a blend of science, history, and personal anecdotes, this book offers valuable insights into the art of remembering and challenges our understanding of what our minds are truly capable of.

Who should read Moonwalking with Einstein

Students looking to improve their memory and study skills.
Professionals seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and productivity.
Anyone interested in the fascinating world of memory and neuroscience.

Topics in Moonwalking with Einstein

Memory Neuroscience Psychology Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Mental Health Learning Improving Memory Mindfulness Self-Discovery Self-Care Personal Development Psychology for Beginners Brain Training

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