Memorisation is the foundation of all learning.
There are many ways of working out 4 multiplied by 4, but nothing reduces friction better than having it committed to memory as 16.
Memorisation gets a bad rap because of its application as roofing, instead of a foundation.
It is important for first principles.
First principles are frequently utilized. Having a system that calls them back at will overcomes inertia.
4 multiplied by 4 requires memorisation, but 44 multiplied by 44 does not.
However, at a point in our lives, we started using memorisation as a cramming shortcut to doing well in all tests.
We apply it to things that do not need to be committed to memory, and so we naturally forget them after the tests.
The challenge is that our capacity for memorization is weakened when its utility is not long-lasting. When we apply memorization to something that will only serve us for a day, it weakens our overall memory, even for things that will serve us for a lifetime.
In every aspect of life, cramming everything into memory might serve as fast-smarts, but like in all aspects of life, anything with a prefix of fast- is trading off something more valuable.
Figuring out the first principles and committing them to memory will take you far.
The number of things that require memorisation is limited, but their application is limitless.
Memorisation is the foundation of all learning. Its content is best formed by first principles.
– Osasu Oviawe