Does Sherlock’s “Mind Palace” Technique Actually Exist? Find Out!

Long before clashing with Olivia Colman in “The War of the Roses,” taking on the mantle of Dr. Strange for Marvel, or portraying the ingenious Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game,” Benedict Cumberbatch was captivating audiences with his role in “Sherlock.” This British series, crafted by Steven Moffat, offers a contemporary twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character.

In this modern retelling, the titular hero employs a technique known as the “mind palace,” a memory tool first mentioned in season two. Using this method, Sherlock manages to recall highly specific facts and details by organizing them in his mind as if they were located in a physical space, such as a palace filled with numerous rooms.

While “Sherlock” popularized the mind palace technique, it actually dates back to antiquity, used by Greek and Roman orators to memorize their speeches. Also known as the method of loci (Latin for “places”), the memory palace, or the method of places, this mnemonic device is believed to have been developed by the Greek lyric poet Simonides of Ceos around 550 BC.

And it’s a technique anyone can use! You might start by trying to remember your shopping list. To build your palace, pick a place you know well, like your apartment or bedroom. Imagine a path through this space, which you’ll always follow in the same order to help keep the items you need to remember organized. Then, associate each location or object along your path with an item from your list.

The more unusual or absurd the image, the easier it is to remember. For instance, if you need to remember to buy tomatoes, instead of just picturing tomatoes on your couch, imagine it covered with smashed tomatoes. Continue this process for each item on your list.

Now you’re ready to practice! However, we can’t promise you’ll automatically have a mind as sharp as Sherlock’s.

“Sherlock” is available for free on M6+, and streaming on Netflix and HBO Max.