L'art et la science de se souvenir de tout

Joshua Foer, currently residing in Brookline, Massachusetts, is a versatile freelance journalist and author, primarily focusing on science-related topics. Born on September 23, 1982, in Washington, D.C., he hails from a family with a notable background. His mother, Esther Foer, served as the Director of the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, while his father, Albert Foer, founded and led the think-tank American Antitrust Institute.

Foer's academic journey led him to Yale University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in ecology and evolutionary biology in 2004. His interest in the fascinating world of competitive memory emerged in 2005 when he attended the USA Memory Championships as a journalist. The following year, in 2006, Joshua Foer not only participated but also emerged as the USA Memory Champion, setting a new U.S. record in the "speed cards" event by memorizing a deck of 52 cards in an impressive 1 minute and 40 seconds.

This accomplishment was part of his broader exploration of competitive memory, during which he studied under the guidance of the British grandmaster of memory, Ed Cooke. Joshua Foer attributes his remarkable memory to the creation of memory palaces and the use of mnemonics, demonstrating a profound understanding of learning techniques that enhance information retention and retrieval in the human memory.

While his active participation was confined to the 2006 USA Memory Championships, Joshua Foer documented his captivating journey and insights in his first book, "Moonwalking with Einstein," published in March 2011. The book delves into the world of competitive memory, providing a compelling narrative while attempting to unravel the true capacity of the human mind. Notably, "Moonwalking with Einstein" received recognition as a finalist for the 2012 Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books, solidifying Joshua Foer's standing as a noteworthy author in the realm of science and memory studies.