Page 57 - How to Develop A SUPER-POWER MEMORY

Uses of the Peg and Link Systems 61

so on, down the list. You can memorize an entirely different
list the next time you go shopping without fear of con-
fusion. The beautiful thing about the Link method is that
you can forget a list whenever you wish. Actually, when
you memorize the second shopping list, the first one fades
away. You can, of course, retain as many lists or links as
you desire.
The mind is a most fantastic machine; it can be compared
to a filing cabinet. If you have memorized a list of items
with the Link system, which you want to retain—you can.
If you want to forget the list—you can. It is merely a ques-
tion of desire. The list that you want to remember is one
which you probably intend to use, or you would have no
reason to retain it. The use of the list itself will tend to
etch it into your memory. If it happens to be a list that
you do not intend to utilize right away, but which you feel
you want to retain for future use—you can do that, too.
You would have to go over the list in your mind the day
after you memorized it. Then go over it again a few days
later. After doing this a few times, you have filed the list
away, and it will be ready when you need it.
We all realize, of course, that it is sometimes necessary
to forget! Benjamin Disraeli, when asked about the favor
shown him by royalty, said, "—I observe a simple rule of
conduct; I never deny; I never contradict; I sometimes
forget." This, however, is a question of diplomacy, not
memory; and I know that you're reading this book not to
be taught how to forget, but how to remember. I will show
you soon, how to use the Link system to remember speeches,
articles, anecdotes, etc.
The main difference between the Link and the Peg
methods is that the Link is used to remember anything in
sequence, while the Peg is for memorizing things in and out
of order. You may feel that you have no need for the Peg