[great_reversal]

For overall memory, I generally just remember things instead of using all these fancy apps. Sometimes I'll make some notes in Typora (clean .md editor), but more often than not, I'll never revisit the file.

I'm a visual learner, so its really easy for me to recall past snapshots (static, not like a video) from my life, or how certain things looked at a point in time. It's not quite an identical memory, but it's not too far off either. Maps are a breeze, and even complex tunnel systems like the PATH in Toronto are easy to navigate.

For learning, it helps if you just throw yourself into it. Take 5 minutes and try to work at the concept. Usually this will turn into 30-60 minutes. I learned Kubernetes and AWS EKS this way.

For problem solving, I'll make some notes for brainstorming, todo lists, and any questions I have. Then when I go for my daily walk (~15km/2hrs), I reflect on the abstractions again (from memory) and try to refactor what doesn't seem perfect.

I do have a mind palace set up, but I don't really use it.

[jonsen]

Beware you young men with fresh brains. Brains can and do get worn. I could say almost exactly your words about my younger self, but not anymore. Now I suffer badly from never having learned and trained a good note system. Get your external memory configured and operational in due time.

[bhouston]

What age did you notice it change?

[jonsen]

In my late forties. The quality of my lectures became fluctuating. Thought it was temporary but soon realized that on average it was slowly but steady downhill. Edit: Should say, that’s twenty years ago and not the slightest indication of dementia today. But significantly harder to handle complex things in my mind only.