Joshua Foer: Moonwalking with Einstein

Japanese mnemonist Akira Haraguchi successfully memorized and recited (in 16 hours, 28 minutes) 83,431 digits of the mathematical constant pi. In a record-breaking 1 minute, 40 seconds, journalist Joshua Foer memorized and recalled perfectly the exact order of two full decks of playing cards. Although jaw-dropping, these feats aren't the domain of idiot savants. Foer's fascination with mental athletes led to a globe-trotting, riveting exploration of the science and art of memory, chronicled in his book Moonwalking with Einstein. The book weaves together colorful characters, a cultural history of memory, and Foer's yearlong training and ultimate triumph as 2006 US Memory Champion. In conversation with WBEZ Re:sound host Gwen Macsai, Foer recounts ancient memorization techniques, elaborate memory palaces, and today's reliance on electronic memory.

This program was generously underwritten by Annette W. Turow and was sponsored in part by the Chicago Community Trust.