From Shrink To Think

The method of loci is also referred to as the memory journey, memory palace, or mind palace technique. This method is a mnemonic device that was used back in ancient Roman and Greek times. (Remember, there was a time where things like computers, notebooks, pens, pencils or even paper did not exist). What was one to do about the formidable task of having to recall information again at a later date without having something else used to help in the retrieval process? Just because we use the term "recorded history", does not mean that history only started upon the invention of paper and pencil. In regards to this technique, the person would memorize the layout of some "palace" building, the arrangement of various buildings on a street, or any geographical location which was composed of a number of different objects located inside of it. And then the person would try to recall where each room or domestic article was positioned in relation to another one, such as doors, walls, steps and windows. In this way, the person would be mentally going over the architecture and layout of their own particular palace of memory. The idea of a "memory palace" goes back all the way to the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was from there that the origins of the memory palace technique would come to actually change history forever. One of the earliest known stories or fables about the usage of the memory method palace technique comes from the story of Simonides of Ceos, a famous and powerful early Greek philosopher. Although this story might sound somewhat disturbing and tragic, it describes in detail the birthplace and origins of this unique memory technique. According to legend, after being invited to a banquet to recite a poem, the poet Simonides of Ceos chanted the lyric out loud and did not to finish the rest of the poem, for he had already memorized it. But when his host stated he would only pay him half of what was owed if he did not finish the sermon, he decided not to honor such request. It was during that time that Simonides was also hosting a large party at one of his famous yet dilapidated banquet halls. He had purposely arranged and organized what rooms and what seats each person was assigned to sit in, and asked that each person remain in their respective areas for the duration of the party. There were dozens and dozens of fellow guests at his party, some of whom he had never met before. A few moments later Simonides was given a message that two men were waiting outside the banquet hall for him to come out. So Simonides went outside to speak to these men and find out what their business with him was. All of a sudden, without any warning, the ground itself shook and the banquet hall roof crashed on top of his guests, killing them all. Simonides was powerless to stop the eventual carnage occurring to his party guests. The victims were so badly injured that they were not identifiable due to their injuries, and most people were too afraid to go into the rubble to locate any of their missing loved one. Yet Simonides was able to aide in the identification of all of the members of his party, by means of recalling where each person sat during the banquet and where their bodies were later located. Eventually, he was able to positively identify the names and locations of all of his houseguests on that terrible day, without making a single mistake. To think about it, we owe all of our thanks and gratitude for this incredible memory technique was based upon an unfortunate Greek tragedy. Weird isn't it?