A Thousand Brains, A Thousand palaces --- The book referred to by Biljana, “A Thousand Brains” by Jeff Hawkins proposes a theory to which I am partial. Hawkins’ theory corresponds with a model of the brain which parallels the understanding and a practical application by Arthur Conan Doyle’ Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes uses his brain in an unusual manner employing the principle of the ‘memory palace.’ So, the metaphor is a palace, in practice many palaces, inside the brain – rather than many brains.

This model is a little like Tony Buzan’s ‘mind mapping’. These are maps which combine words and images into a coherent map of an idea, theme, or topical subject. But the memory palace is not a mind map as generally described in today’s literature.

A memory palace (also known as a mind palace) is a structure you build in your imagination, where you consciously deposit memories and attempt to retrieve them later. Sherlock uses the technique in various episodes of the series, to recall major (yet easily forgettable) facts that are relevant to a case. For example, in the “Last Vow.”

A memory palace involves memorizing lists of discrete objects, words or faces by first mentally visualizing the layout of a geographical area and then mentally “walking” through it, attaching items to specific locations within the area. By then simply retracing one's steps on the route, the items can be recalled.

This technique goes back to Roman times; Giordano Bruno is a Renaissance figure who reintroduced the Roman technique. Bruno taught his university students, the mind or memory palace technique and he recommended creating as many as the person was capable. In this sense ‘a thousand brains’ or ‘a thousand palaces’ correspond.

My interest is to apply these principles of neurobiology to the discipline of neuro-learning. These are the principles adapted from the science of learning to information synthesis, comprehension, retention, and breaking down complex subjects for the purpose of clear thinking.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org