Page 164 - How to Develop A SUPER-POWER MEMORY

168 The Importance of Memory
although the above anecdote is pretty silly, since no one
would ask anyone to recall what they had for breakfast years
ago—you'd be surprised at the questions some people ask
me. If I had a conversation with a person some time ago,
they'd ask me to repeat the conversation exactly; or, if I'm
spied reading a newspaper, someone is sure to grab it from
me and insist that I prove that I've memorized it word for
word. They don't realize that the beauty of having a trained
and systematic memory, is that I can remember what I
want to remember.
It would be kind of ridiculous for me to memorize the
daily paper word for word. There is no need for that; how-
ever, I can and do remember anything that I come across
that I feel is important enough to memorize. I just make an
association for it as I read it. When I read a story or novel,
I am usually reading for enjoyment only, and I'm not at
all interested in remembering what I'm reading. There are
some things that we all want to forget; for example, it is
diplomatic to remember a woman's birthday but not her
age.
After completing this book, I hope that all of you will be
able to remember anything you read, that is, if you want to.
As I've mentioned before, you can remember anything if
you so desire. These memory systems just make it easier for
you. Perhaps, some of you do not, as yet, agree with that.
You may feel that it is much easier to write down a tele-
phone number than to stop and make an association as I've
explained. Well, I must admit that it probably would be
faster and easier, at first; but you wouldn't be helping your
memory.
You might feel that since there are millions of reference
books to use whenever you need certain information, why
bother to remember. And, of course, most business men
have secretaries to remember for them.