Did you know that your ability to be a moral person directly connects to the quality of your memory?
At least, that's according to Albertus Magnus and I think he's right.
Why?
A few reasons. First off, forgetfulness is an unnecessary evil. Let it run your life and you're automatically living on the Dark Side.
Second, you learn, memorize and recall less than you're capable of. That's not only an act of self-cruelty. It's a crime against humanity.
Finally, if you're not on top of your ability to memorize the information you need to achieve maximum success in life, you're not able to pass the skills on. It doesn't get any more immoral than that.
Memory Is The Sensitive Part Of The Soul
Born sometime around 1200 in the Duchy of Bavaria, Albertus Magnus spent a fair shake of time writing about memory skills before dying in the year 1280. He was influenced by Aristotle, who also wrote about memory, and left his mark on Thomas Aquinas, who also filled a few pages on the art of memory.
For his part, Magnus was fixated on ethics and what exactly makes good things good.
For example, he nailed down four cardinal virtues:
Memory, or memoria, belongs to prudence for Magnus, along with intelligence and providence.
Magnus breaks prudence down even further by saying it has a rational part and an emotional part. We should be using memory to live useful lives based on both of these aspects. As he writes:
"Memory can be a moral habit when it is used to remember past things with a view to prudent conduct in the present looking forward to the future."
Calling up positive things from the past to guide your behavior in the future is fine and dandy. But what about mnemonics?
Guess what?
Using Memory Techniques Is Also A Virtuous Habit
Magnus called mnemonics "artificial memory" after the conventions of the time. We know better now, however. Using the power of your imagination to make Memory Palaces is the most natural activity on earth, especially compared with spaced-repetition software. That's the hammer of memory that deserves the term "artificial" more than anything else.
The 5 Magnus Rules For Creating Top-Notch Memory Palaces
Plus, Magnus was a lot like me. He wasn't into using virtual Memory Palaces. He advises using only real locations and especially recommends churches because of how they can move the soul.
It's an interesting suggestion because often the more meaningful the building, the more powerful the Memory Palace will be. Keep that in mind when creating your next Memory Palace and avoid basing any on buildings that may suck your enthusiasm.
With this point established, Magnus offers five rules.
1. Use Quiet Locations
Makes sense, right?
Maybe.
I can understand wanting to base your Memory Palaces on locations prone to silence. It kind of makes sense for them to mimic the intense concentration needed for creating powerful associative-imagery inside the Memory Palace.
However, if you're using a bustling cafe, you don't need to do the memory work in the cafe. And when you are using the Memory Palace, you can be in a quiet space. In fact, no matter where in the world the building you've sourced for your MP happens to be, it's always a good idea to learn, memorize and practice Recall Rehearsal in quiet places.
But if you want to use the stage and stadium of a memorable Kiss concert, do it. If for any reason your memories of the excitement do get in the way, simply move on to another place.
2. Your Memory Palaces Should Neither Be Too Large Nor Too Small
Many beginners get excited by the possibilities of making massive Memory Palace
Published on 9 years, 7 months ago
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