Submitted by User7193719 t3_10oyvcn in books
[removed]
Comments
User7193719 OP t1_j6hiv7d wrote
That’s great, but are we really learning anything from the book if we need to pick it up and flick through it again. Especially in non-fiction genres like self-help. Just my take.
inscopia t1_j6hjfi7 wrote
I can’t remember the Kreb’s cycle despite needing to memorise it many times during my degree. I don’t use it everyday so I’ve forgotten it but if I look up the Kreb’s cycle I’ll remember it again just from the visual cue.
GrudaAplam t1_j6hjua6 wrote
Yes. Most people don't have photographic memories. One doesn't read a recipe book and remember every recipe, one refers back to the book every time one wants to cook that dish until they have done so on multiple occasions.
User7193719 OP t1_j6hkrse wrote
So would you suggest spaced reading of the same book over a period of time before the forgetting curve takes its course? You’ve made a solid point.
GrudaAplam t1_j6hm371 wrote
Something along those lines. In school they don't expect you to read something once and remember all of it. You take notes, write essays or work through multiple equations.
Artgor t1_j6hirji wrote
For fantasy books, I don't even try to do it. After reading 100+ books I don't even try to remember them. Usually I remember the most enjoyable moments and my emotions - this is enough for me.
As for non-fiction, sometimes I copy quotes that are interesting to me and reread them once in a while.
tfmid457 t1_j6hlha4 wrote
There is not much need in just remembering facts. Since there is always gonna be more facts than you can possibly remember.
Instead, you will need some facts in your working memory while you are at work with something in particular.
Then when you move on to the next project, you will forget the old and learn new.
Other than straight facts, general ideas and concepts you can understand so that you remember them. Those stuff you use in another way than facts even if they could be related
StepfordMisfit t1_j6hl19t wrote
I'll flag a few pages with post-its and maybe a brief note if I really want to remember or find it again, but it's a rare thing - only one or two books a year. Most I plan to forget all but the gist.
The best non-fiction books (for citing later) have an index anyway.
Kssio_Aug t1_j6hm17u wrote
I don't like to study books deeply, because I think it defeats the purpose of pleasure reading. But a good way to memorize a book, imo, is to enter discussions about it. That way you will see other people theories and point of views different than yours and as you answer someone else's doubts you also reflect on what you read. It works great for me and it's much more fun than studying the book like a textbook.
User7193719 OP t1_j6hmng5 wrote
I like this. It‘s easier to remember things when you‘re mentally engaged with it. Being immersed in the book as you read it and actively discuss it or read others views about it afterwards would probably make it more effective than taking detailed notes. Thanks!
yohane1169 t1_j6hoem7 wrote
Best way for me is read a passage or chapter of a book and rephrase the things i need in my own way and My own style+ imagine a scenario that i Will need this , because emotion makes a memory burn in your head , that's why most of our memories are from our childhood (atleast for me lol).
User7193719 OP t1_j6hozy3 wrote
That’s exactly how we apply things to our long-term memory. When we attach it to things we already know. Putting new ideas and information into our own words and own understanding of it allows it to ingrain itself into our memory. I find this especially true when you‘re excited to read the book and you‘re totally immersed in it, which is kind of like an emotion since it resonates with us enough for us to become immersed.
I don‘t know if what you‘re describing has more to do with neuroplasticity or if it‘s a real thing. I know smells can greatly impact the way we remember things. I can say that’s true from the studies out there and my own experiences but that’s getting a bit deep into it haha.
mzk24601 t1_j6hqs66 wrote
everything seems like an unreasonable bar to the point it feels like a strawman.
It seems likely this is more about studying and not just simply reading.
No matter your methodology, you wont retain anything even close to "everything" in in a single pass.
Its also very likely many people think they remember far more than they actually do.
Without continued effort it all fades into irrelevance anyway.
satanspanties t1_j6hr4y1 wrote
This subject has been very popular in the past. Please check out the FAQ.
GrudaAplam t1_j6hij4b wrote
I don't need to remember every detail of a book. I only need to remember vague generalities and if I need to recall any specifics I can pick up the book again and flick to the relevant section.