How Our Brain Memorizes Things

Before we get to the memorization techniques, first a science lesson on how the brain stores memories. You likely know that the brain is a complicated, beautiful system of working parts. Two of those working parts—the neurons and the synapses—are flexed during the memory-creating process. Neurons are the parts of the brain that send and receive electrical signals. Synapses are the roads that connect them. When memories are recalled, a series of neurons sends signals throughout the brain, creating a sequence that represents the memory. This pathway has been tested by scientists who can send electrical shocks into the brain, masquerading as these initial neuron signals, that can initiate a memory sequence. The stronger the synapse, the greater chance that a memory can be recalled. Consistent use of synapses often creates stronger connections, similar to exercising. So, say, recalling your old apartment number or childhood home phone is easier than a bank account number because an address or phone gets used more often. Weak signals—i.e., bank-account signals—lack the ability to create the cascade of neurons essential to initiating a memory. The Problem with Memory Today One of the leading voices on memorization is Joshua Foer, a journalist by trade who trained himself in one year’s time to become a memorization national champion (Foer’s exploits are documented in the book Moonwalking with Einstein). His perspective on the topic of memory points to an interesting, 21st century problem: Externalizing vs. Internalizing. Technologies (iPhones, software, etc.) have made our modern world possible, but they’ve also changed us. They’ve changed us culturally, and I would argue that they’ve changed us cognitively. Having little need to remember anymore, it sometimes seems as if we’ve forgotten how. With so many apps and tools at our disposal, memorization has transferred from a purely mental exercise to a tangibly outward endeavor. (Foer is not quite the first to share this sentiment. Socrates was sour on writing because he feared it would weaken memory.)