Unlock Your Photographic Memory: I Built a Mind Palace and It Actually Worked!

2025-09-16 06:00:20.456

The article explores the 'method of loci', an ancient memory technique also known as a 'memory palace'. The author, possessing a poor memory, attempts to use this method to memorize the first 20 digits of pi and a list of 12 random words. The technique involves associating items to be remembered with specific locations in a mental 'palace', often a familiar place like one's home. Experts, including a memory championship winner, explain the technique and its limitations. The author finds the method effective, successfully memorizing both the digits and words, highlighting the surprising effectiveness of the method even for individuals with poor memory. The article also discusses the neuroscience behind why the method works, linking it to the hippocampus' role in spatial navigation and association.