The Memory Palace

The most obvious theme of The Memory Palace is the idea of the mnemonic device that Matteo Ricci calls the memory palace. A mnemonic device aids in the learning or memorization of some idea or concept. They usually associate a new or unlearned idea with something familiar. Roy G. Biv is one such Mnemonic device, associating the colors of the rainbow with a name that is easy to remember. Matteo Ricci was a master of mnemonic devices, having learned to use them effectively during his years of extensive Jesuit training in Rome and Florence. Ignatius wanted his Jesuit priests to have a vast sum of knowledge, and he also wanted them to memorize important texts. Thus, Ricci needed a method of memorization, and this was one available.

Ricci is able to use his skill with mnemonic devices to impress the Chinese. He believes that by impressing...