Moonwalking with Einstein

by Joshua Foer

Moonwalking with Einstein is a fascinating exploration into the art and science of memory. In this post, we dive deep into Foer's journey—from his first encounter with memory championships to his transformation into a memory competitor. The book unveils mnemonic techniques like the method of loci and demonstrates that anyone can improve their memory with the right strategies.

Combining personal narrative with scientific research and historical insights, Foer's story is both entertaining and enlightening. Whether you're looking to boost your memory or simply enjoy a captivating read, this book offers valuable lessons on the potential of the human mind.

This blog post expands beyond a brief review to include a chapter-by-chapter summary, giving you a deeper look into the world of memory techniques Foer explores. Read on for a detailed breakdown of his journey and insights.

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1: The Smartest Man Is Hard to Find

Foer begins by recounting how his curiosity about intelligence led him to the 2005 USA Memory Championship. As a journalist, he initially set out to investigate who might be the "smartest" person, only to discover memory champions like Ben Pridmore, who could memorize vast amounts of data. Intrigued, Foer meets competitors who insist anyone can train their memory, sparking his interest in the subject and setting the stage for his own experiment.

Chapter 2: The Man Who Remembered Too Much

This chapter introduces the historical figure of Solomon Shereshevsky ("S"), a Russian journalist studied by psychologist Alexander Luria. S had an extraordinary memory due to synesthesia, where senses intertwined (e.g., numbers had colors or tastes), but this also overwhelmed him. Foer uses S to explore the science of memory and its quirks, contrasting natural ability with trainable skills, and begins to question how memory works.

Chapter 3: The Expert Expert

Foer meets Ed Cooke, a British memory champion and "Grand Master of Memory," who becomes his mentor. Cooke explains that memory isn’t about innate genius but disciplined techniques like the "memory palace" (method of loci). Foer starts training, learning to convert abstract data into vivid images and place them in imagined spaces, marking the beginning of his participatory journey into memory sports.

Chapter 4: The Most Forgetful Man in the World

Here, Foer shifts to the opposite extreme, exploring amnesia through the case of "EP," a man with severe memory loss due to brain damage. EP’s inability to form new memories contrasts with memory champions’ feats, offering a scientific lens on the brain’s memory systems (e.g., hippocampus for declarative memory). Foer reflects on how memory shapes identity and why enhancing it matters.

Chapter 5: The Memory Palace

Foer dives deeper into the history and mechanics of the memory palace technique, tracing it back to the Greek poet Simonides of Ceos, who reputedly invented it after a banquet hall collapse in 500 BCE. By associating items with spatial locations, Simonides recalled victims’ positions—a method Foer adopts. This chapter blends history with practice as Foer builds his own palaces to memorize random data like numbers and cards.

Chapter 6: How to Memorize a Poem

Foer tackles memorizing poetry, a task in memory competitions, and learns techniques like chunking and elaborate encoding (turning words into bizarre, memorable images). He discusses how oral cultures relied on such methods before writing, contrasting this with modern reliance on external memory aids. His training intensifies as he prepares for the USA Memory Championship.

Chapter 7: The End of Remembering

This chapter examines the cultural shift away from internal memory. Foer explores how the invention of writing, printing, and digital technology (e.g., smartphones) reduced the need for memorization, a trend he sees as both a loss and a liberation. He critiques the Western education system’s disdain for rote learning, arguing memory is foundational to creativity and expertise.

Chapter 8: The Ok Plateau

Foer introduces the "OK Plateau," a concept from psychology where skills stagnate without deliberate practice. He trains harder, pushing past this plateau, and meets other memory athletes, like Daniel Tammet, whose synesthetic claims Foer questions. This chapter highlights the effort behind mastery and Foer’s growing skepticism about "natural" talent versus learned skill.

Chapter 9: The Talented Tenth

Foer meets memory athletes like Lukas Amsüss and reflects on their dedication, reinforcing that memory prowess stems from technique and persistence, not innate talent. This chapter underscores his growing commitment to the craft as he prepares for the championship.

Chapter 10: The Little Rain Man in All of Us

Foer investigates savants like Kim Peek, the inspiration for Rain Man, and debates whether exceptional memory is innate or trainable. He leans toward the latter, using his own progress as evidence. The chapter ties into his training narrative, showing how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary feats with the right methods.

Chapter 11: The U.S. Memory Championship

The climax arrives as Foer competes in the 2006 USA Memory Championship. He describes the events—memorizing cards, numbers, names, and poems—under pressure, detailing his anxiety and triumphs. Against all odds, he wins, proving that a year of training transformed his "average" memory into a champion’s. The chapter is both a personal victory and a testament to memory techniques.

Key Takeaways

Foer’s journey shows memory is a skill, not a gift, accessible through techniques like the memory palace. The book blends personal narrative, science (e.g., brain anatomy), and history (e.g., Simonides, oral traditions). It critiques modern memory neglect, advocating for its value in creativity, identity, and living fully.