A Tragically Under-Utilised & Misunderstood Memory Technique: The PAO System Explained

The PAO System is an old technique that many people mistakenly use only for memorizing numbers.

This is a shame because you can actually use it for multiple purposes.

I'll discuss some of the main ones in this video. You simply cannot afford not to understand and experiment with these hidden properties of the PAO.

For more details, watch Aristotle's Nuclear Alphabet next:

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If you enjoyed this video on memory training and mnemonic memory techniques, please help others by adding some captions.

[Revolthell]

This is really good alongside and combos with the journey and memory palace methods. I did a quick exercise regarding the English alphabet where peoplle usually sing the nursery rhyme I imagine an Elephant Jumping Over The Yacht. Each initial is just a multiple of 5 and I can remember quickly which is the 10th or the 15th letter of the alphabet. Then with Fat Goose saying HI (6, 7, 8, 9), Kissing Large Mammals Nails (11, 12, 13, 14), Pretty Quick ReSt (16, 17, 18, 19), UV WaX (21, 22, 23, 24), with Z at the end. Loving how these memory systems synchronize with each other. Can't wait to build that 00 to 99 table map and practice these especially for languages I'm sure this will be extremely useful!

[SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thank you so much!
It is worth mentioning that I have had difficulty throughout my life in distinguishing different human faces. When I created my PAO system, I used very easily distinguished and differing types of faces for famous people that are easier for me to recall. I memorized the various shapes of their faces, and things that made them unusual, and included them in my number system. This way every time that I recall them, I would get a small exercise for my facial weakness.

After a few years of this practice, just included in my day-to-day memory training, I can say that it has made a tremendous difference in my ability to recognize faces. My wife actually made the comment that she thinks my facial recognition has become better than hers, which blew my mind ! These methods are so versatile and nourishing to the brain, and I am more grateful for them every day!
🙏💙🧠

[KRmedfndllcARCwof]

I love this short video because it's educational and informational. Great job!

[billholt]

Ok so I am here again down MEMORY LANE, .I am working on introducing my PAO again 00-99 and revisititing Aristotles Nuclear Math video . I am attempting to Use Them In The Tonal Inflection Practicing of Myself during my self Iinduced 7 Month Mandarin Language Learning, This is my Biggest Challenge So Far I 'm off to view the next video again also Thanks for this wonerful progam now 12 months and counting!

[Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

This is my 2nd time watching this one. Great job Anthony teaching the PAO system. I’m getting a lot out of it. In such a Short time. Your friend/pal Bill

[wagnerbaldin]

I consider you as my memory guru! Thank you!!

[andypartridge]

I read the Tricks of the Mind book by British illusionist Derren Brown, which is where I first picked up memory techniques. I saw something like the Major system (which he misnamed if I remember rightly). However, he suggested a slight change to the order of letters/numbers:

0 = S, Z (and soft C)
1 = L (looks like a lower case L)
2 = N (two downward strokes in the lower case N)
3 = M (three downward strokes in the lower case M)
4 = R (four ends in R)
5 = F, V (both sounds in the number 5)
6 = B, P (both pronounced the same way, and 6 looks like a lower case B)
7 = T, D (both pronounced the same way, and 7 looks like an upper case T)
8 = SH, CH, J
9 = G, K (both pronounced the same, and 9 looks like a lower case G)

This seems more logical to me, but it doesn't really matter as long as it works I guess

[patfar]

I bought this book ! What is the first part with the conversation with hermes etc ?

[skyrider]

PAO can also be used to convert words with tri-consonant roots like Hebrew and Arabic into meaningful images

[Davlavi]

Sounds like a variation of the linking method only specialized for numbers.

[sketchyturtle]

Hey Anthony, can you make a video on how to use a memory palace. I know youve touched on it but I havent been able to use it for studying very well. If you could sort of show how to use it that would be great. I'm studying French right now and don't know how to use my memory palace for language

[jbl]

I do my tones via emotion... Down stroke is angry picture/story. Down and up is confused. Up stroke is either happy or asking questions..

[productreviews.]

I learnt to major system from derren brown and this is an issue because it becomes difficult to get some of the higher numbers. But because I know the first 60 so we'll I find it hard to change to other systems

[patfar]

33 Mm magic Mike 🤣. But you’re saying that 33 in a mag system might be some Freemason at 33 degree ? C’est ça? And you add the sound ?! Mmm I like this . 15 for me is cans in Cannes I could add a rattle noisy ? 1664 is the bottle of beer seize et old Paul McCarthy in Liverpool ?

[knwld]

"most human memory can hold only about seven or eight digits at a time, this is about as large a problem as you can handle without resorting to artificial memory devices, like fingers, calculators, or the mnemonics" im currently practicing mental math and it is all good but imagining numbers in my mind is so hardd. Can major or pao system can help with this?

[CharcoalSparks]

I just filmed my first 21 second deck using PAO

[mohamed-cigx]

It is very similar to acromonics. Except acromonics are more advanced and magnetic by default

[MOSDEFemcees]

I can't for the life of me come up with 100 actions that are distinct enough from the rest. 100 characters and 100 objects sure but actions seem too similar

[Lucky_McHugh_C]

When you start out explainin this system...
You get kinda confusin and a bit too complicated for my poor brain to understand.
ETA
Unfortunatly your explanation doesnt get any more clear by almost 12 minutes in
so Im gonna stop watchin at that point and check out some of your other videos.

[mr.pickitt]

So true what you’re saying, Anthony. The Major system is one of the first things I learned and I use it all the time in the way you suggest here. It’s incredibly useful exactly not just for numbers, but to reinforce memory of other information, too. And so much fun to play around with.