Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 60 | Lynne Kelly on Memory Palaces, Ancient and Modern
Aug 19, 2019
Lynne Kelly, a science writer and competitive memory expert, dives into the fascinating world of memory techniques. She discusses how ancient monuments like Stonehenge may have served as memory palaces, encoding vital social knowledge. The conversation highlights the extraordinary memory practices of Indigenous cultures and their significance in preserving knowledge. Kelly also explores the neuroscience behind memory palaces, offering practical tips for improving memory and emphasizing creativity in learning through storytelling and spatial associations.
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Memory Palaces
- Use memory palaces to improve memory.
- Associate information with familiar locations, creating vivid mental images.
Indigenous Memory Palaces
- Indigenous cultures used memory palaces long before the ancient Greeks.
- Australian Aboriginal cultures show evidence of this method dating back at least 10,000 years.
Handheld Memory Device
- Lynne Kelly created a memory device from wood, shells, and beads.
- She encoded a field guide to Victorian birds onto this device, demonstrating its effectiveness.
