The Photographic Mind: Holographic Memory System

First, I would like to comment on this particular book. Then I will comment on the Brain Supercharger CD contained with this book.The book Photographic Mind: Holographic Memory System, is almost entirely based on mnemonics for memory improvement. As the title of the book is deceptive, as there is an explanation of this is contained inside. Dane Spotts states "The Photographic Mind applies traditional time-honored memory systems with a new holistic approach based on the latest scientific findings that support the existence of not only an intellectual memory (of your left brain and right brain) but an emotional memory (of your body) as well." These time-honored memory systems are merely mnemonics. Dane Spotts does a fine job with some of the mnemonic systems provided. He does offer a fresh new look into them, also how to practice them. I wish to comment on them further, although briefly. Dane Spotts goes through the link system, loci, peg, and the phonetic system for memory improvement. If readers have read other memory books, they will recognize these memory systems. Let us not fool ourselves here, they work very well. Although, Dane uses the classic phonetic system for memorizing numbers. This method of memorizing numbers is archaic and outdated. I would like to refer anyone to my previously reviewed books such as The Memory Pack of Andi Bell or any of Dominic O'Brien's fabulous memory books (true memory champions). However, Dane Spotts shows good and novel ways in becoming acquainted with the loci, peg, or the link system for memorization. His methods work well. In the mnemonic sections, Dane Spotts does an adequate job in using loci, peg, and the link. Furthermore, a rather presumptuous statement from Dane: "There is a difference between a true photographic memory and the photographic mind you will be developing through the workshops of this book. A photographic mind is much more powerful than a photographic memory-a phenomenon which psychologists call "eidetic imagery."I would be very ecstatic to witness the proof of this statement. My personal statement is that one cannot fully quantify memory or its functions, or even to the extent of pure photographic memory, we have not the capabilities. A powerful form of photographic memory, photographic recall, as well as eidetic memory, is proven to exist, check literature or hypnosis studies! At this point, we are just throwing rocks, and I will be happy to give in. I was a little worried because of Dane's subchapter entitled "The Double Curse of Rote Memorization" pg. 36He does not give much attention to rote memory and its important uses. His point is well deserved of using better techniques such as visualization and emotion. If one were to read Memory Search by a Memorist by Charles Thompson, one would understand rote memory and its importance. Also check Kenneth Higbee's book "Your Memory How it Works and How to Improve it." This book does read of lecture material with very little references. No i

The title of this book may be a little misleading. If your goal is to attain perfect photographic recall, then you are looking at the wrong book.However, if your goal is to improve your memory, this book is an excellent choice. The exercises in the book are superb. They lead you very methodically through the usage of the link system, the loci system, the peg system, and the phonetic system. What sets the book apart is the quality of the exercises. You are carefully guided through the entire process with real examples.I have not decided whether the CD that is provided is helpful or not. There are two basic tracks. The first is baroque music for enhanced learning. It did provide a nice background while reading through the exercise. The second track is reported to help seal the learning into your brain. I used the track after each exercise but did not use it every day for the recommended 60 days. You be the judge.