Memory, Mentats & Mental Mastery with John Michael Greer

The Trivium is a classical educational curriculum that comprises grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Grammar provides the foundational knowledge and understanding of language structure. Logic equips students with the ability to think critically and construct valid arguments. Rhetoric teaches the art of persuasive communication and effective expression. Together, these three components form a cohesive framework that cultivates critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and articulate communication skills. The Trivium is often considered the foundation for a well-rounded education, enabling individuals to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Aristotle's 'De Memoria et Reminiscentia' is a foundational work on the nature of memory, exploring the processes of remembering and recollecting. Aristotle delves into the psychological mechanisms behind memory, asserting that memory is closely linked to perception and time. He introduces the concept of association, suggesting that memories are recalled through connections between related experiences. The work also examines the role of mental images in memory, emphasizing how these images serve as representations of past events. Aristotle's insights into memory and recall have had a lasting impact on philosophy and psychology, influencing subsequent theories of cognition and learning.

A Void, originally titled 'La Disparition', is a 300-page novel by Georges Perec, written in 1969 without using the letter 'e'. The story revolves around the disappearance of Anton Vowl, an eccentric and insomniac scholar, and his friends' attempts to uncover the truth behind his vanishing. The novel is a linguistic adventure, blending elements of noir and horror fiction with a grim conclusion. It explores themes of loss and absence, reflecting Perec's own experiences as a Holocaust orphan.

In 'The Art of Memoir', Mary Karr synthesizes her expertise as a professor, writer, and spiritual seeker to provide a comprehensive guide on the art and mechanics of memoir writing. The book is anchored by excerpts from her favorite memoirs and anecdotes from fellow writers, offering practical advice on truthfulness, voice, and the structure of memoirs. Karr emphasizes the importance of honesty, the democratic nature of memoir writing, and the cathartic power of reflecting on the past. She critiques several influential memoirs, including works by Richard Wright, Vladimir Nabokov, and Maya Angelou, and provides valuable tips for aspiring memoirists on how to stage their stories effectively.

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people.

In 'Moonwalking with Einstein', Joshua Foer delves into the world of competitive memory sports and the science behind human memory. The book follows Foer's transformation from a journalist to a mental athlete as he trains for the USA Memory Championship. It explores historical and cultural aspects of memory, including ancient techniques like the 'method of loci' or 'memory palace', and discusses modern research on memory. Foer also interacts with renowned memory experts and savants, providing a comprehensive look at how anyone can improve their memory through specific techniques and practices.