#Joshua Foer

[libretalk]

The Only Memory Book You Need To Read

This Book By Joshua For Will Help You Learn Everything You Need To Know About Memory Techniques.

From Sherlock Holmes"Mind Palace" To Major Systems in memory.

[pithia]

Sequencing — the careful striptease by which you reveal information to the reader — matters in an article, but it is absolutely essential to a book.

Joshua Foer

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

“Monotony collapses time; novelty unfolds it. You can exercise daily and eat healthily and live a long life, while experiencing a short one. If you spend your life sitting in a cubicle and passing papers, one day is bound to blend unmemorably into the next - and disappear. That’s why it’s so important to change routines regularly, and take vacations to exotic locales, and have as many new experiences as possible that can serve to anchor our memories. Creating new memories stretches out psychological time, and lengthens our perception of our lives.“ - Joshua Foer

[dedalvs]

Kopikon Presenters: John Quijada

Today we continue with introductions to our Kopikon presenters with John Quijada!

John is a conlanger, musician, artist, and board game designer. John is best known for creating the Ithkuil language. Ithkuil is a philosophical language whose aim is to pack as much information into as small a space as possible as unambiguously as possible. The result is a language that isn't really possible to learn and use on the fly, but produces fascinating, meditative thought experiments in the form of a translation. An infamous regarding Ithkuil being taken up by a group of Russian terrorists was detailed by Joshua Foer in The New Yorker (read "Utopian for Beginners" here).

John will be presenting at 2:30 p.m. in Copley Formal Lounge at Georgetown University, September 23rd, 2023. To register, go here. The full schedule is listed below:

10:00 a.m. Opening remarks by David & Jessie

10:15 a.m. Sally Caves

10:45 a.m. Carl Buck

11:15 a.m. Break (20 minutes)

11:35 a.m. Sylvia Sotomayor

12:00 p.m. David Peterson

12:30 p.m. Lunch (90 minutes)

2:00 p.m. Paul Frommer

2:30 p.m. John Quijada

3:15 p.m. Break (30 minutes)

3:45 p.m. Music (Jillian and Andrew Aversa)

4:15 p.m. Jessie Sams

4:45 p.m. Break (15 minutes)

5:00 p.m. Biblaridion

5:45 p.m. Marc Okrand

6:30 p.m. Closing remarks by David & Jessie

[homokeiju]

popsci is a horrid wasteland of mostly hastily scribbled together pseudo-scientific cash-grab self-help shit but if u rly overlook the whole genre u miss out on broadening ur ways of thinkin cuz there's no way u'll ever actually sit down in a class n learn of these concepts except thru cultural osmosis (tryin to sweeten the sting w/ optimism here lol)

anyway b4 u solidify ur view of the sacred inner workings of a human mind n infallibility of memory n rationality of any decision-making anyone has ever done u should rly entertain n educate urself w/ joshua foer's "moonwalking with einstein: the art and science of remembering everything" (horrid anglo publisher name but i prommy the name is actually more relevant to the topic than u'd think (finnish translation was just "kaiken muistamisen taito")) where he talks of memory thru the lens of memory competitions (remembering pi decimals doenst mean u dont forget to drink ur tea b4 it's cold) n daniel kahneman's "thinking, fast and slow", which i would force everyone to read if i just could. it has played a large part in making me who i am n informed me of the way i interact w/ ppl n make decisions (or so i hope). mostly it taught me the hard cold fact i had already suspected to be the case as a teen: economics is a fake science.

debated on mentioning it but i have looked all of this up so i'd hate to know n blindside someone: both authors r jewish n while foer seems to mostly just be interested in some philantropy to israel thru orgs that make no mention of the plight of palestinians on their websites, kahneman (on account of havin been born in tel aviv) served in idf's psychology department (of which he's critical about in the book (by the standards an israeli scholar can be critical of idf)). i'm not labeling them capital zed zionists but not much evidence to the contrary either. i think u should still be able to appreciate these books for their content, especially kahneman as he does give a somewhat critical view of idf as an organization from the inside (an increasingly rare thing). it's a very small portion of the book so make of that what u may. but i think neither of these succesful authors particularly need ur money so libraries n piracy r ur friends here. foer's book u can probs check out at a library (popular popsci bestseller), kahneman u probs have to pirate or wait for (or ask for my copy) since it's actually a book that economists n other social sciences students r required to read for entry exams n stuff n then discard n scrub any memory of out of their brains as the scourge of economics takes over like a parasitical infection that eats grey matter. go figure, life in cognitive dissonance etc

[thevampirecrow]

very interesting article

[bookeysnewsletter]

Moonwalking with Einstein: A Journey into Memory Mastery

Chapter 1 What's Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer

"Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything" by Joshua Foer is a fascinating exploration of memory, blending personal narrative with insights into memory techniques and cognitive science. The book follows Foer's journey from a novice in memory sports to competing in the U.S. Memory Championship. Through this journey, he delves into the history of memory, the techniques used by memory champions—like the method of loci and mnemonic devices—and the psychology of memory itself. Foer emphasizes that memory can be trained and improved, offering both practical advice and a deeper understanding of the human mind's potential. The narrative combines memoir, science, and humor, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in harnessing the power of their memory.

Chapter 2 Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer Summary

"Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything" by Joshua Foer explores the fascinating world of memory and the techniques used to enhance it. The book combines Foer's personal journey into the realm of memory championships with historical insights about memory techniques.

Foer begins by recounting his initial struggles with memory and how he stumbled upon competitive memorization. He learns from memory champions and delves into ancient memory techniques, particularly the method of loci, or the "memory palace" technique, which involves visualizing a familiar place and associating it with the information one wants to remember.

As Foer trains rigorously and becomes more adept at memory techniques, he reflects on broader themes related to memory, identity, and the importance of remembering in human life. The narrative interweaves scientific research on how memory works, the implications of modern technology on our memory, and the cultural importance of memory throughout history.

Ultimately, "Moonwalking with Einstein" is not just a guide to improving memory but also a meditation on what it means to remember in a world increasingly reliant on external sources of information. Foer’s journey culminates in his participation in the USA Memory Championship, where he tests the skills he has honed and seeks to understand the intersection of memory, identity, and the human experience.

Chapter 3 Moonwalking with Einstein Author

Joshua Foer is an American author and journalist best known for his book "Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything," which was published in 2011. The book chronicles his journey from being an average memory enthusiast to winning the USA Memory Championship. It blends a personal narrative with insights into the science of memory and techniques for improving one's memory.

In addition to "Moonwalking with Einstein," Foer has written several other works, including:

1. "Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders" (co-authored with Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, 2016) - This book serves as a companion to the popular website, exploring quirky and unusual places around the globe.

2. "The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance" (2017) - This book delves into the process of learning and mastery in various fields, encapsulating lessons from his experiences and insights from experts.

3. "The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School, and at Home" (2015) - This book focuses on practical memory techniques that can be applied in everyday life.

As for the "best" of his works, it largely depends on the reader's interests. "Moonwalking with Einstein" has received widespread acclaim and remains his most popular and influential work, particularly for those interested in memory and cognitive science. Additionally, while different editions have been released, the original hardcover and subsequent paperback editions retain high value among readers. The book's engaging narrative style and the depth of its research often make it the recommended starting point for those new to Foer's writings.

Chapter 4 Moonwalking with Einstein Meaning & Theme

Moonwalking with Einstein Meaning

"Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything" by Joshua Foer is a blend of memoir, cognitive science, and exploration of memory techniques. The book chronicles Foer's journey from being an ordinary person with a typical memory to becoming the U.S. Memory Champion.

The main themes and meanings of the book include:

1. The Nature of Memory: Foer delves into the science of memory, explaining how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved. He highlights the difference between everyday memory and the extraordinary memory feats achieved by "mental athletes."

2. Memory Techniques: Throughout the book, Foer explores various mnemonic techniques, such as the method of loci (or memory palaces), which can significantly enhance one's ability to remember information. He provides insights into how these techniques can be applied in everyday life.

3. Human Potential: Foer's journey illustrates the idea that with practice, training, and dedication, people can develop skills that may seem innate or unattainable. This theme resonates with the broader idea of self-improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

4. Cultural and Historical Perspectives on Memory: The book discusses the importance of memory in different cultures and historical contexts, examining how various societies have valued and practiced memory.

5. Reflection on Everyday Life: Ultimately, Foer reflects on the importance of memory in shaping identity, relationships, and experiences. He contemplates how modern technology, with its shortcuts and reliance on digital memory aids, affects our ability to remember.

Overall, "Moonwalking with Einstein" serves as both an informative guide to memory improvement and a philosophical meditation on the significance of memory in human life. It encourages readers to value their own memories and consider how they can be enhanced through practice and technique.

Moonwalking with Einstein Theme

"Moonwalking with Einstein" by Joshua Foer explores several themes, prominently including the following:

1. Memory and Human Potential: The book delves into the idea of memory as a vital component of our identity and cognitive function. Foer's journey illustrates that memory can be improved through techniques and practice, suggesting that human potential is far greater than commonly perceived.

2. The Art and Science of Memory: Foer discusses classical memory techniques, such as the method of loci and the use of mnemonic devices, which have been utilized since ancient times. This theme highlights the intersection between art (the creativity involved in memory techniques) and science (the cognitive processes underlying memory).

3. The Nature of Knowledge: The narrative invites readers to consider what knowledge truly means in the context of memory. Foer contrasts rote memorization with a deeper understanding of information, suggesting that the way we remember is just as important as what we remember.

4. Cognitive Bias and Limitations: The book also touches on the quirks of human cognition and the biases that affect how we remember and perceive the world. It raises questions about the reliability of memory and how it shapes our experiences and identities.

5. Competition and Achievement: Foer’s journey culminates in his participation in the U.S. Memory Championship, reflecting on themes of excellence and the drive to achieve. It explores the role of competition in pushing individuals to surpass their limits and discover hidden potential.

6. Self-discovery and Personal Growth: As Foer embarks on this challenge, he undergoes significant personal transformation, suggesting that the journey of mastering memory is also a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Overall, "Moonwalking with Einstein" presents a rich exploration of memory that intertwines personal narrative with broader philosophical questions about cognition, learning, and the nature of achievement.

Chapter 5 Quotes of Moonwalking with Einstein

Moonwalking with Einstein quotes as follows:

Here are ten thought-provoking quotes from "Moonwalking with Einstein" by Joshua Foer:

1. "Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

2. "The mind is a powerful thing. It can take you places you never imagined."

3. "If you want to improve your memory, you have to treat it like a muscle."

4. "People can’t remember things that don’t mean anything to them."

5. "The act of remembering is an act of creation."

6. "The difference between a good memory and a bad memory is often the difference between knowing what to remember and what to forget."

7. "The world is a vast warehouse of information; we just need to know how to navigate it."

8. "Memory techniques aren’t just about memorizing; they’re about understanding the world from a different perspective."

9. "Our memories are not a record of the past but rather a construction of the present."

10. "The best memories are not those that are easily forgotten."

These quotes capture the essence of Foer's exploration of memory, learning, and cognition.

Chapter 6 Similar Books Like Moonwalking with Einstein

Certainly! Here’s a selection of five engaging books that delve into the themes of memory, cognition, and the human mind, similar to "Moonwalking with Einstein":

 1. "The Mind's Eye" by Oliver Sacks

In this captivating exploration of visual perception and memory, acclaimed neurologist Oliver Sacks shares the stories of patients who experience unique conditions affecting their sight and understanding of the world. Through case studies, Sacks raises poignant questions about the nature of perception and how our experiences shape our identity.

 2. "How We Learn: The Surprising Truth About When, Where, and Why It Happens" by Benedict Carey

Benedict Carey dives into the science of learning, challenging conventional wisdom about study habits and memory retention. With engaging anecdotes and cutting-edge research, he reveals how techniques like spaced repetition and the power of distraction can enhance our ability to absorb and retain information.

 3. "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School" by John Medina

John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist, distills complex brain science into twelve key principles that illustrate how our brains function. Packed with insightful research and practical advice, this book explains how we can apply these rules to improve learning, productivity, and overall well-being.

 4. "The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School, and at Home" by Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas

This classic guide offers practical techniques and mnemonic devices to boost memory. Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas provide easy-to-follow strategies and exercises that can help anyone enhance their recall ability, making it an excellent companion for readers interested in memory enhancement.

 5. "The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science" by Norman Doidge

Norman Doidge explores the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life. He shares inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome neurological challenges, emphasizing the brain's remarkable capacity for growth and healing. This enlightening book showcases the transformative power of our minds.

---

Each of these books will provide you with insights into how memory and cognition work, alongside practical strategies for improvement, similar to the themes found in "Moonwalking with Einstein." Enjoy your reading journey!

Book https://www.bookey.app/book/moonwalking-with-einstein

Author https://www.bookey.app/book/moonwalking-with-einstein#Author

Quotes https://www.bookey.app/book/moonwalking-with-einstein/quote

The Brain That Changes Itself https://www.bookey.app/book/the-brain-that-changes-itself

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqeOKMGpu3I

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Moonwalking-Einstein-Science-Remembering-Everything/dp/0143120530

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6346975-moonwalking-with-einstein

[giftideasfromaycaramba]

Every page gets to the very core of why humans want to travel in the first place: to be delighted and disoriented, uprooted from the familiar and amazed by the new. With its compelling descriptions, hundreds of photographs, surprising charts, maps for every region of the world, and new city guides, it is a book you can open anywhere and be transported. But proceed with caution: It’s almost impossible not to turn to the next entry, and the next, and the next.

[keshetchai]

Okay hold up this is. I think some context is needed here.

1. I explicitly mentioned translational censorship of the Talmud. There was no "need I remind...?" I literally up front addressed that. That issue was part of why I explained the value of having the Talmud freely online meant antisemitic false quotations can be easily debunked as fake. It's not a perfect solution and the problem shouldn't exist, but that is part of the thinking, yes. Having it free online means you can quickly debunk bullshit.

[ slight edit here bc this is what I was remembering in reference to this:

The two childhood friends had lost touch for many years, but reconnected over a “shared frustration” that the Talmud and other important Jewish texts were not accessible online.

“At that point, if you were to google the English Talmud, you would find pdfs from the Soncino edition published in England, you would get an anti-Semitic website and you would get a partial 1918 translation,” Foer told the Forward. “That by itself was kind off pathetic.”

You Can Now Read the Whole Talmud Online for Free, Forward. 2017. This mention of half the search results being antisemitic garbage is repeated in a lot of stories about Sefaria's founding and public donation of the Talmud in translation.

Oh and I was also recalling this Tablet article about it which quotes Einstein. He doesn't say "make it palatable," he says make it accessible to fight lies, basically.]

2. Wait wait wait. Do....you think Sefaria is made by Christians?????

This Sefaria?? https://www.sefaria.org/texts

I'm so deeply deeply confused where you got this idea that I was referencing any kind of Christian website when I explicitly named Sefaria. There are multiple Jewish websites which contain the Talmud text online, Sefaria is just the biggest, best, and most comprehensive Jewish virtual library with the most robust platform for educators.

I was a beta tester for Sefaria's app. Nothing about that website is Christian. Sefaria is the same website op screenshot to illustrate what they meant.

Their about page includes statements such as:

Sefaria is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building the future of Jewish learning in an open and participatory way.

And:

For the Jewish people, our texts are our collective inheritance. They belong to everyone and we want them to be available to everyone, in the public domain or with free public licenses. Whether it’s copying a page of text for your classroom or downloading our entire database for research and new projects, you’ll enjoy unfettered access to the canon.

The original founders are Joshua Foer, and Brett Lockspeiser, both of whom are Jewish. Lockspeiser was one of Forward's top 50 most influential American Jews.

Sefaria exists precisely because as you said, Jews value education.

"Ideally it would have been shared with you."

Okay but: My rabbis use Sefaria and pass out Sefaria sheets. So the odds are high this would've still been the method I was told in? And maybe I was told and forgot. Yes, we have a copy of the Talmud in the library at shul, but Sefaria is infinitely more portable and easier to cross reference.

Lots of people can save hundreds or thousands of dollars to invest in a personal and complete Jewish library including the Shulchan Arukh and Talmud for home study, but I am not one of them. Instead I use the $0 Jewish virtual library that everyone from academics to Jewish educators to rabbis to idk...Jewish camps — uses.

Also i really love how antisemites are like "the talmud is a secret text the jews hide from us that teaches them how to cheat christians" when the talmud is freely publicly accessible in its entirety and is like "does it count as something going from the private to the public domain if you throw it from your window into somebody else's window and it never touches the ground" and "Rabbi Yochanan said that Rabbi Yishmael, son of Rabbi Yosei, had a massive cock. The size of Rabbi Yochanan's cock was smaller than Rabbi Yishmael's, but the exact size is up for debate. Both sides agree that it was pretty huge, too, though."

[paginadepsihologie]

Joshua Foer, dintr-o persoană uitucă, devine maestru al memoriei, demonstrând importanța cultivării memoriei chiar în era digitală.

[mitasaft]

Book

Moonwalking With Einstein by Joshua Foer (Non fiksi)

Buku ini bercerita tentang pengalaman Joshua Foer, yaitu seorang jurnalis yang datang melihat turnamen memori. Foer berkenalan dengan beberapa mental atlet dan ia dilatih untuk mengikuti turnamen selanjutnya. Ia berbagi teknik latihan seperti mnemonic, mind palace, loci method, chunk method, PAO system, dan elaborative encoding. Serta menyertakan argumennya tentang peran memori dalam proses pembelajaran.

Pembaca diajak untuk memahami bagaimana daya ingat bekerja dan menganalisa kelebihan-kekurangan daya ingat itu sendiri.

⭐️ 9/10

[postofficepro]

Memory Champion Teaches You How to Memorize Anything Joshua Foer can remember anything, including the first 100 digits of Pi. The former U.S.A. Memory Champion explains how he—and you—can memorize anything using the major system technique, which converts numbers into words and images. SUBSCRIBE for more videos: http://wrd.cm/15fP7B7 Still haven’t subscribed to WIRED on YouTube http://wrd.cm/15fP7B7 CONNECT WITH WIRED Web: http://wired.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/WIRED Facebook: https://facebook.com/WIRED Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/wired Google+: https://plus.google.com/+WIRED Instagram: http://instagram.com/WIRED Tumblr: http://WIRED.tumblr.com Want even more? Subscribe to The Scene: http://bit.ly/subthescene ABOUT WIRED WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture. Memory Champion Teaches You How to Memorize Anything Starring: Joshua Foer Arts and Miniatures by: Lori Nix and Kathleen Gerber

[pithia]

Monotony collapses time; novelty unfolds it. You can exercise daily and eat healthily and live a long life, while experiencing a short one. If you spend your life sitting in a cubicle and passing papers, one day is bound to blend unmemorably into the next -- and disappear.

Joshua Foer

[nobeerreviews]

What makes things memorable is that they are meaningful, significant, colorful.

-- Joshua Foer

[dk-thrive]

By the time you get to the end of this sentence, your brain will have physically changed.

The three-pound mass balanced atop our spines is made up of somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 billion neurons, each of which can make upwards of five to ten thousand synaptic connections with other neurons. A memory, at the most fundamental physiological level, is a pattern of connections between those neurons. Every sensation that we remember, every thought that we think, transforms our brains by altering the connections within that vast network. By the time you get to the end of this sentence, your brain will have physically changed."

- Joshua Foer, Moonwalking with Einstein (Penguin Books; March 3, 2011) (via Whiskey River)

[purposetastic]

What makes things memorable is that they are meaningful, significant, colorful.

– Joshua Foer