Memory and forgetfulness are two sides of the same coin, and both are completely normal. When it comes to memorising something, our brain doesn’t store each memory in one spot. Instead, it scatters bits and pieces of a memory across different areas, like the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the cerebral cortex. So, when we try to recall a memory, the brain pulls all these fragments together.
And what about when we forget? That’s not a bad thing either; it’s actually the brain’s clever way of making space by clearing out what it considers unimportant. But how do we know what is worth remembering and what can be discarded, and how do we help our brain remember things better? Well... there is actually a trick, and Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla and the richest man in the world, isn't shy about sharing it with you.
Elon Musk's Memory Trick
According to Musk, one of the most important strategies to remember something better is to connect information to already existing knowledge or something meaningful. This is how your brain distinguishes between what is important and worth remembering versus things that can be forgotten.
He also emphasises the importance of understanding "why" something is true and associating information with vivid, personal experiences or stories to make it more memorable.
Following are some useful techniques to try:
Understand, Don’t Just Memorise
Elon Musk believes that real learning comes from understanding and not just memorising facts. When you know why something is true, you're more likely to remember and apply it later.
Build A Semantic Tree
Musk uses the metaphor of a “semantic tree” to explain how knowledge should be structured. He suggests starting with the trunk, which are the core principles, and then branching out to the key ideas before finally getting to the finer details, or “leaves”. Without this strong foundation, the small facts have nothing to attach to and are easily forgotten.
Create Meaningful Associations
To make information stick, Musk recommends tying it to something personal or memorable. For instance, when learning someone’s name, connect it to something unique about them, a funny story, a distinct feature, or their profession.
Break It Down
Musk also relies on a simple but powerful trick called chunking. It’s all about breaking down big, complicated topics into smaller, more understandable information. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, which can feel overwhelming, you focus on one small part at a time.
Use Vivid or Absurd Imagery
Our brains are wired to remember things that are emotional, unusual, or downright bizarre. Musk takes advantage of this by using vivid or even absurd mental images to remember facts.
Also Read: Elon Musk and Ketamine: The Controversial Anti-Depression Drug Making Headlines
Create Personal Coding Systems
To make memory recall faster, Musk suggests developing your own mental shortcuts like symbols, pictures, or codes that represent ideas or numbers. These custom “triggers” help your brain retrieve complex information quickly and with less effort because they are tailored to how you think.
Think From First Principles
Perhaps Musk’s most famous learning strategy is first principles thinking. This means stripping a concept down to its most basic truths and building your understanding from there. Instead of relying on what others say or common assumptions, you rebuild knowledge from scratch, which leads to deeper understanding and stronger retention.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s memory techniques prove that you only need the right approach to memorising important information. His methods, like focusing on understanding, creating meaningful connections, and breaking down complex ideas, show that memory works best when it’s built on clarity and context. These aren’t hacks reserved for scientists or CEOs; they’re simple strategies anyone can use in daily life. By learning smarter and making things personal, we can train our brains to remember better and with far less effort.
Image credit: X/Elon Musk