We hardly understand the issues of memorization at the level of conscious users. But our ability to hold information is a miracle of the human brain in itself. How many methods of remembering information do we know? Read, memorize, try to reproduce ... In the best case, associatively connect with the existing knowledge and so evoke the desired image in the brain.
But there are much more methods for these purposes. And people like you and me practice them and use the results brilliantly. One of such ways of memorization is mnemonics, and people using it are mnemonics. So let's find out the meaning of the word mnemonics and how we can be struck by the person who has mastered it.
Before looking directly at the topic of the article, let's recall a certain film, "Johnny Mnemonic." Who saw him is familiar with the question somewhat better than those who did not happen to encounter this picture. We will also say a few words about it separately.
Mnemonic - who is this? Word interpretation
Let us turn to the terminology. The most relevant modern interpretation of the word "mnemonics" is a specialist who professionally knows the technique of memorization. This interpretation of the concept of interest to us appeals to another term - mnemonics.
What is mnemonics?
Mnemonics (in terms of sources the term "mnemonics" is found) is a memorization technique. In fact, this is a certain combination of methods and techniques designed to facilitate the storage of information in the brain, to increase the amount of data perceived by a person through the creation of artificial associations.
The term is derived from the Greek word mnemonikon, which in translation means "the art of memorization." Some sources say that Pythagoras of Samos invented it in the 6th century BC.
In addition, it is interesting to know that the name "mnemonics", or rather its original form, is associated with the name of one of the goddesses of the Greek pantheon - Mnemosyne. Recall: Mnemosyne - the mother of nine muses, patronizing memory.
Mnemonics in the modern world
Historically, the memorization technique was formed as part of philosophy. In principle, all modern sciences are rooted in psychology. Mnemonics, on the other hand, was part of rhetoric, and the ancient speakers, in fact, used it to memorize their long speeches. The first recorded data about it are the historians of science date back to 86-82. BC. Their authorship is attributed to Cicero, Quintilian.
Until today, mnemonics has evolved, improved techniques and made them more effective. If earlier it was a tool for remembering structured connected arrays of text, now it can be used to fix any exact information in memory, even if it is considered difficult to remember or not remembered at all.
Miracles of mnemonics (and this is how successful achievements of mnemonics look like) are shown as pop and circus numbers. So, mnemonic artists demonstrate the memorization of many telephone numbers, complex texts, numerical tables and the like. In paired productions according to a specially developed code, the number is "guessing numbers" (or signs, hidden words, etc.)
Memorization technique
Considering mnemonics, let's try to look at it from different angles. So, it will be easier to interpret it as a system of internal writing, using which a person can transform information into a number of other visual images. Reproducing these signs, the mnemonics recalls the necessary information.
How it works? The brain connects many complex, but natural mechanisms of memory. They contribute to full control over the processes of perception and reproduction of information. To learn how to own your own brain resources, a job similar to teaching skills such as shorthand, typing is ahead. The key to a positive result is exercise.
Having mastered mnemonics, a person may not use it in the future. Mnemonic is not a person with a natural or acquired extraordinary ability to remember. Mastering it does not completely change the usual process of memorization. To get good results, it will need to be “turned on”. To do this, each time it is necessary to form a special "language" of characters in which information will be recorded in memory.
What does mnemonics give?
We have already examined the meaning of the word mnemonics. What is the meaning of mnemonics for us?
The benefits of mnemonics in modern information-saturated society are great. The first and most important thing it gives is the ability to hold large volumes of specific information in the head. This will allow you to more effectively master any scientific disciplines.
The results of mnemonics can be compared with the achievements of technological progress. Using mnemonics, it is easy to become on a par with the best representatives of your profession. After reading the scientific work on the chosen discipline, watching the lecturer, watching a movie, the mnemonics can literally absorb every word. It sounds like something on the edge of science fiction, but absolutely real.
The advantage of mnemonics is that we can operate with information in the future. She is not forgotten, that is, she is not put off to the far shelves, and she does not have to be taught again.
Fantastically introduced the theme of preserving in the head of a person an enormous array of information the film "Johnny Mnemonics" with Keanu Reeves in the title role. But they did not use the resources of the brain, but the technical means built into the hero’s head.
Conclusion
In our article, we touched on an unusual topic - highly effective memorization of hard-to-remember information. Mnemonics is a person who has mastered the technique of associative memorization to such an extent that he instantly grabs and holds complex data in his memory in order to use it in the future.
We also examined the meaning of the word "mnemonics", finding out its Greek origin. Having a rich history, mnemonics in the modern world has become one of the phenomena that contribute to the integration of man into the rhythm of the development of technological progress.
The results of the use of mnemonics will help in the development of new knowledge, gaining a profession, solving everyday problems. If you wish, master this technique, as it will bring undeniable benefits.