A Memorization Challenge
The practice of memorizing written words is almost dead these days. When AI can call up nearly anything we desire with a simple prompt, why put in the effort to memorize at all? Still, we shouldn’t take our capacity for memory for granted.
We have a use-it-or-lose-it brain. If we want to stay mentally sharp, we have to put our minds to the test. The challenge is that our overstimulated technological environment is deliberately engineered to keep us distracted, entertained, and subtly convinced that we need to buy something in order to feel better about ourselves. If we don’t claim our mental space, others will gladly claim it for us.
In my view, there are several good reasons to practice memorization:
The effort itself sharpens the mind.
Being able to recall lines of literature, poetry, or scripture can be a genuine source of comfort and joy.
The practice teaches patience and diligence.
Recently, I’ve been memorizing the following passage from Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays translation):
“If all the rest is common coin, then what is unique to the good man? To welcome with affection what is sent by fate. Not to stain or disturb the spirit within him with a mess of false beliefs. Instead, to preserve it faithfully, by calmly obeying God—saying nothing untrue, doing nothing unjust. And if the others don’t acknowledge it—this life lived with simplicity, humility, cheerfulness—he doesn’t resent them for it, and isn’t deterred from following the road where it leads: to the end of life. An end to be approached in purity, in serenity, in acceptance, in peaceful unity with what must be.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (Gregory Hays translation)
I keep the passage written in the exercise logbook I use at the gym in the mornings. Between sets, I mull it over, trying to get it word for word. I’m getting close—though while preparing this, I realized I had transcribed one word incorrectly, which means I’ll have to retrain that section for a bit. 🙂
I’ve noticed that when I’m waiting in line at the store, driving home, or out for a walk, the passage is right there, ready to be recalled. And I’m enjoying it. Rehearsing words that actually matter to you is grounding. This section from Meditations helps me check my attitude and perspective—it’s a small but reliable reset.
So here’s my challenge to you: find a few lines of poetry, literature, scripture, or a quote you care about, and start practicing memorization. If you want a strong mind, you have to train it. And once you train it, it will come to your aid, time and time again.
Good luck!
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPC
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