INTRODUCTION

It is axiomatic that one’s memory diminishes with age.

This book, based on my personal experience, demonstrates that you can significantly increase your long term memory, well into the later decades of your life, simply by training it.

My training method consists in memorizing poetry, at least five minutes of every business day.

My initial goal, in learning poetry, had nothing to do with memory enhancement. My goal was to memorize a few poems, for cultural enhancement.

Seven years later, I realized that I had begun to develop a low grade photographic memory.

Five years after that, at the age of 69, I realized that, in the previous twelve years, my memory had tripled: that is that I could learn three times faster than initially and could retain the material infinitely longer.

Today, in September 2009, I am up to 5,000 verses, which I can recite, more or less at any time, admittedly with less accuracy, after a few glasses of wine!

Also and surprisingly, my ability to learn and retain numbers has returned; and I remember people's names with greater ease.

Last summer, 2008, I attempted to understand the relevance of my memory increase, in a larger context.

Upon reflection and enquiry, the following thoughts occurred:

• Everyone over 50 is concerned about memory decrease.
• If I can triple my memory in my 50s and 60s, anybody can, given a level playing ground.
• Few individuals train their memory after their school years.
• The brain, being akin to a muscle, deteriorates from non use.
• Consequently, if you desire to increase your memory, you must train it.
• Since no one else seemed to be spreading this message, I decided to do so myself.

This book will lead you through my experience and guide you towards an increased memory.