Summary

The article provides strategies for improving memory retention when reading, emphasizing the importance of note-taking, self-explanation, and information retrieval.

Abstract

The author shares personal experience of reading extensively without retaining much information, leading to a quest for better reading techniques. The article outlines three key steps to enhance memory: first, taking concise notes to summarize key information; second, using the Feynman technique to explain concepts in simple terms as if to a child; and third, employing tools like Anki for flashcards and Obsidian for mind maps to retrieve and review information. Additionally, the concept of building a "second brain" is introduced as a method for externalizing information storage to reduce forgetfulness and stress. The author concludes by encouraging the application of these techniques to overcome the challenge of forgetting what one reads.

Opinions

The author believes that the brain's natural tendency is to forget, necessitating active strategies to retain information.
Highlighting is deemed insufficient for memory retention; instead, writing notes is strongly recommended.
The Feynman technique is advocated as an effective way to ensure understanding and retention of complex concepts.
The use of digital tools like Anki and Obsidian is endorsed for organizing and reviewing information, aiding long-term memory.
The author suggests that creating a second brain can significantly enhance productivity and reduce anxiety associated with information overload.
The article implies that these memory techniques are not commonly practiced, as the author had to actively seek them out and experienced a noticeable improvement after implementation.

How To Remember Everything You Read

Stop Forgetting Things with These 3 Learning-Hacks

Non-Medium Members can Read the Full Article Here.

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2 years ago I read 50 academic books.

That’s almost a book per week.

You may think that this is cool or “wow”, but the reality is that I wasn’t proud of it.

Why?

Because I couldn’t remember most of what I read.

Ah, that uncomfortable feeling of not being able to remember.

So I decided to change my reading technique to avoid that.

In this article, I will tell you how you can do it in 3 steps.

Step 1: Take Notes

The reason why we struggle with retaining information is that our brain is a forgetting machine.

You’re Not Dumb, Your Brain is a Forgetting Machine

It was never your fault, this is why you can’t feel that nothing’s stuck after studying.

medium.com

Our brains didn’t evolve to remember everything. They evolved to make us survive by learning a few details from a context.

So if you expect to digest all the information from a book by just highlighting, like my younger me thought, you’re wrong.

Instead, you should take notes.

Our brain LOVES notes, as they summarize important information.

But don’t copy-paste them from your book highlights.

Write them down on a piece of paper or your favorite software (Word, Google Docs, Notion, Obsidian, etc).

By doing this you will remember the general content of your book.

Tip: In my notes, I love to write a section called “The Chapter (or the Book, paper) in 3 Sentences”.

- This allows me to think of the general idea of the information and summarize it in 3 sentences.

- Then I can go back to my notes and fastly check and retrieve my information.

Step 2: Explain to Yourself

If you want to remember while reading, a good tool is the Feynman technique.

This consists of stopping after some paragraphs, closing the book, and trying to explain the concept in easy words.

Imagine you’re trying to explain the concept to someone who doesn’t know anything about it, let’s say a kid.

Imagine that situation and try to explain the concept.

This will help you enormously to remember and learn the information.

Do this and you will avoid that uncomfortable feeling of not remembering what you just read.

Step 3: Retrieve Information

This is an extra step that I do when I need or want to study the topic I’m reading about.

I use Anki to make flashcards with questions about the most important topics of what I’m reading.

Additionally, I love to create mind maps comprising a whole chapter in a beautiful way in Obsidian:

🤓 Would you like to know more about Anki and Obsidian? Let me know in your responses :)

Extra Tip: Build a Second Brain

What is the Second Brain and Why Should You Use it?

Stop forgetting information and getting stressed, do this.

medium.com

A second brain is a place where you can store all your information without needing your biological brain.

Remember when I wrote that our brain is a forgetting machine?

If we hope that we will remember everything we consume through the day by keeping in mind all our responsibilities, we’re not good.

So making a place where you can store that information and retrieve it whenever you want is a great way to stop forgetting and be more productive, while also reducing stress and anxiety.

That’s the second brain.

I will write more about this in my next articles.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to stop forgetting what we read.

Summarize, take notes, explain the topic to yourself while reading, and retrieve information and you will never forget the information again.

I hope these tips will help you avoid the uncomfortable feeling of not remembering what you just read.

❤️ If you liked it, please clap 👏 (50) to motivate me to write more articles about sleep, neuroscience, animals, and Python.

If you love animals follow me and check Cognitive Creatures or all my articles about animal intelligence, behavior, and cognition. 🦜

See you!

Axel