Moonwalking with Einstein #3

One of the first things discussed in this segment of the book Moonwalking with Einstein is the difference in how we read, contemporary style in comparison to ancient style, such as Middle Ages.  The primary difference is that, in the past, one read to memorize, but now we read to simply read, and don't retain much information.  This may be indicative of our lessening reliance on our internal memories.  Another interesting idea introduced was what Foer referred to as an "ok plateau."  Essentially, once we reach a certain level of proficiency in a given field or skill, such as typing, the process becomes most automated and improvement ceases.  However, he also indicates that the trick to getting off of this "ok plateau"  is consistent and trying practice, with immediate feedback.  He also touches on the idea that memory is a modular, not linear, system.  Basically, memory is several different segments that interact as a whole, and improving one segment will not necessarily improve memory as a whole.  In the end, this book provides several insights about how our memory really operates, and potential ways to improve that operation.

-Tyler Bartschi