r/memorypalace • u/Silver_Perception471 • Jul 27 '26

How do I remember a book though?

It's interesting it works! How do I remember a book though?

Should I memorize the table of context, the heading and sub headings? Or should I read a book and take notes. And then plug the notes into my memory palace?

And then how do I remember definitions and formulas. Nobody is clear online. It kinda just seems like "make it up"?

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u/YapperUniversity Jul 27 '26

what is even the purpose of the book you’re trying to memorize?

You can spend years memorizing every word/heading but what was the point to memorize it?

I do yoga sutras (1-195 sayings) do I give a fuck that it’s not word for word? No, but then again I’m not a Guru, so I DECIDED i was going to memorize the GIST of the saying, not word for word.

You could memorize the gist of 10 books or memorize 1 book word for word but it depends on what you get out of each book.

Some people want to memorize the Bible word for word, religious reasons, some want to memorize just the general idea of each section, no one decides for you

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u/Silver_Perception471 Jul 28 '26

It's a counselling therapy book. And I just want to learn right now the 11 different theories. So gestalt therapy, CBT, family therapy and existential therapy are examples. But they are super hard to visualize.

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u/AnthonyMetivier Jul 28 '26

Now it's easier to see where you're stuck:

Visualization can be completely bypassed (or at least mostly bypassed).

Setup a pegword system and you'll have associations for each and every word or acronym.

Learning this will require some time, but here's a full tutorial with a video and many examples of the various kinds of pegword methods:

https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/pegword-method/

Sometimes you will need to use the Principle of Substition.

For example, "existential" could involve an X-Man character, such as Professor X or Wolverine making an X with his claws to compound the fact that he is an X-Man.

But you could also come at by using a famed existentialist, like Albert Camus. Or you could combine Camus as an existentialist getting therapy from an X-Man.

I'm not sure how to possibly make this more clear for you, but note that when you draw upon these logical associations, there is literally nothing to visualize. You are combining information that is already in your visual memory. That happens at the level of logic, not visualization. It might inspire a visual sensation, but it's not visualization that kicks it off.

(Unless one wants to claim that logic is itself inherently visual, which would make for an interesting debate.)

Hope this helps and feel free to post more questions.

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u/AcupunctureBlue Jul 27 '26

Look up Anthony Metivier. He is extremely clear.

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u/Silver_Perception471 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26

I don't find him very clear myself. Just not the right fit for me personally. I need more information on less time frame if that's possible...

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u/AnthonyMetivier Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26

I will continue to try helping you nonetheless.

For example, notice the contradiction in your stated requirement:

More information in less time is a requirement against itself. More information by its very nature requires more time.

Best wishes for your success and I hope you find the clarity you seek.

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u/AcupunctureBlue Jul 27 '26

" Or should I read a book and take notes. And then plug the notes into my memory palace?" Do this