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Mind Map Mastery: The Complete Guide to Learning and Using the Most Powerful Thinking Tool in the Universe
Discover how you can use mind mapping to get organized, improve your memory, plan your business strategy, and much more—from the original creator of this revolutionary thinking tool
For the past five decades, Tony Buzan has been at the leading edge of learning and educational research with his revolutionary Mind Map technique. With Mind Map Mastery , he has distilled these years of global research into the clearest and most powerful instructional work available on the Mind Map technique.
Tony Buzan’s Mind Map technique has gathered amazing praise and an enormous worldwide following over the last few decades—but as with any very successful idea, there have been many sub-standard imitators. With Mind Map Mastery, Tony Buzan re-establishes the essential concepts that are the core of the Mind Map with a clarity and practicality unrivalled by other books.
If you are looking to improve your memory, plan your business strategy, become more organized, study for an exam or plan out your future, this is the book for you. With a clarity and depth that far exceeds any other book on the subject, it
• The history of the development of the Mind Map
• An explanation of what makes a Mind Map (and what isn’t a Mind Map)
• Why the Mind Map technique is such a powerful tool
• Illustrated step-by-step techniques for Mind Map development
• How to deal with Mind Maps that have “gone wrong”
Developed both for those new to the Mind Map concept as well as more experienced users who would like to revise and expand their expertise, Mind Map Mastery is the one Mind Mapping book needed on the shelf of every student and businessperson across the world.
For the past five decades, Tony Buzan has been at the leading edge of learning and educational research with his revolutionary Mind Map technique. With Mind Map Mastery , he has distilled these years of global research into the clearest and most powerful instructional work available on the Mind Map technique.
Tony Buzan’s Mind Map technique has gathered amazing praise and an enormous worldwide following over the last few decades—but as with any very successful idea, there have been many sub-standard imitators. With Mind Map Mastery, Tony Buzan re-establishes the essential concepts that are the core of the Mind Map with a clarity and practicality unrivalled by other books.
If you are looking to improve your memory, plan your business strategy, become more organized, study for an exam or plan out your future, this is the book for you. With a clarity and depth that far exceeds any other book on the subject, it
• The history of the development of the Mind Map
• An explanation of what makes a Mind Map (and what isn’t a Mind Map)
• Why the Mind Map technique is such a powerful tool
• Illustrated step-by-step techniques for Mind Map development
• How to deal with Mind Maps that have “gone wrong”
Developed both for those new to the Mind Map concept as well as more experienced users who would like to revise and expand their expertise, Mind Map Mastery is the one Mind Mapping book needed on the shelf of every student and businessperson across the world.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
431 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Tony Buzan
291 books1,003 followersTony Buzan was an English author, educational consultant, and pioneer of the mind mapping technique, which he developed to enhance learning, creativity, and memory. Born in Middlesex in 1942, he studied psychology, English, mathematics, and science at the University of British Columbia and later became a graduate student at Simon Fraser University, where he served as the inaugural president of the student society. Buzan was a strong advocate for mental literacy and radiant thinking, drawing inspiration from figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein. He authored or co-authored over 80 books, including the bestselling Use Your Head, The Mind Map Book, and The Speed Reading Book, and gained international recognition through his 1970s BBC series Use Your Head. Buzan co-founded the World Memory Championships, the Mind Sports Olympiad, and the Brain Trust Charity. His legacy lives on through his books, seminars, and iMindMap software.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 1, 2024
Quel ennui...
Way too long, chronically repetitive, often self-aggrandizing, occasionally ridiculous. Mind mapping might be a great tool for some people in some cases or even for everybody in any case (the author insists on the latter, of course), but there is a difference between using a tool to achieve a goal and using a tool for the sake of using a tool.
An ideal reader of this book should become a passionate slave of mind mapping and never again approach any task or any problem solving without drawing a mind map, and not just any mind map (god forbid!) but the TRUE mind map, which follows all the sacred rules of the true mind mapping.
Genuine mind-mapping enthusiasts, beware: not everybody out there understands what the TRUE mind map is about. Some even disagree that Tony Buzan, the author of this precious volume, was the sole inventor of this life-changing technique. Among the scores of his devoted mind-mapping apostles hide impostors and heretics who might perform a sacrilege of drawing pseudo mind maps in one color instead of three and/or on a checkered paper instead of plain! And they even might not use at least A4 size paper. Truly despicable.
As you might have guessed, I wasn't an ideal reader for this book and I won't become an enthusiast of mind-mapping. The only reason I persevered till the end of this mind mapping bible was that I listened to a French audiobook edition, which made this excruciating mind mapping journey slightly less boring (at least the endless repetitions were in French, which allowed for some language practice).
I might use mind-mapping in the future when faced with some German or Latin declension nightmares of memorization. But I don't see myself drawing mind maps to "generate" pseudo-poetry or to resolve relationship problems. Each to their own, of course. If you find this helpful, good for you! Just don't forget that people were creative and solved problems before Tom Buzan invented the mind mapping ritual, and so can you, with or without mind mapping.;)
Way too long, chronically repetitive, often self-aggrandizing, occasionally ridiculous. Mind mapping might be a great tool for some people in some cases or even for everybody in any case (the author insists on the latter, of course), but there is a difference between using a tool to achieve a goal and using a tool for the sake of using a tool.
An ideal reader of this book should become a passionate slave of mind mapping and never again approach any task or any problem solving without drawing a mind map, and not just any mind map (god forbid!) but the TRUE mind map, which follows all the sacred rules of the true mind mapping.
Genuine mind-mapping enthusiasts, beware: not everybody out there understands what the TRUE mind map is about. Some even disagree that Tony Buzan, the author of this precious volume, was the sole inventor of this life-changing technique. Among the scores of his devoted mind-mapping apostles hide impostors and heretics who might perform a sacrilege of drawing pseudo mind maps in one color instead of three and/or on a checkered paper instead of plain! And they even might not use at least A4 size paper. Truly despicable.
As you might have guessed, I wasn't an ideal reader for this book and I won't become an enthusiast of mind-mapping. The only reason I persevered till the end of this mind mapping bible was that I listened to a French audiobook edition, which made this excruciating mind mapping journey slightly less boring (at least the endless repetitions were in French, which allowed for some language practice).
I might use mind-mapping in the future when faced with some German or Latin declension nightmares of memorization. But I don't see myself drawing mind maps to "generate" pseudo-poetry or to resolve relationship problems. Each to their own, of course. If you find this helpful, good for you! Just don't forget that people were creative and solved problems before Tom Buzan invented the mind mapping ritual, and so can you, with or without mind mapping.;)
March 11, 2020
The whole idea of Mind Maps should be well known by now so why do you need this book? Tony Buzan makes the point that in the last years people came up with graphics that look like mind maps but are actually inferior. Therefore he felt obliged to show how to create them correctly. This wouldn't fill a book so in addition there are many examples, stories and suggestions that inspire future usage.
In my opinion, even if you already use mind maps the book is worth the money (the Kindle edition is rather cheap). Tony shows for instance why single keywords (and not phrases) on a branch are so powerful, or why to use graphical elements. There are good reasons for his laws.
Using some software makes it pretty easy to create and especially modify mind maps. However, I find the process more satisfying when drawing on real paper as it provides better creative freedom. Doodling on the PC or laptop is kind of meh so my digital mind maps don't turn out so appealing unless I spend enough time to search for fitting images.
Finally, the book is a great example how to structure learning material. There is an overview about the whole book, what you will learn etc. Then each chapter tells you first what it is about before presenting the material. Exercises are everywhere and invite you to apply what you have learnt. That's the way how to make something memorable.
All thumbs up
In my opinion, even if you already use mind maps the book is worth the money (the Kindle edition is rather cheap). Tony shows for instance why single keywords (and not phrases) on a branch are so powerful, or why to use graphical elements. There are good reasons for his laws.
Using some software makes it pretty easy to create and especially modify mind maps. However, I find the process more satisfying when drawing on real paper as it provides better creative freedom. Doodling on the PC or laptop is kind of meh so my digital mind maps don't turn out so appealing unless I spend enough time to search for fitting images.
Finally, the book is a great example how to structure learning material. There is an overview about the whole book, what you will learn etc. Then each chapter tells you first what it is about before presenting the material. Exercises are everywhere and invite you to apply what you have learnt. That's the way how to make something memorable.
All thumbs up
January 3, 2019
Mind mapping is great, and Tony Buzan is the mind behind it. Reading about how great mind mapping can be is be helpful in terms of motivating oneself, yet 200 pages is a bit too much on the subject.
February 17, 2018
I have been a student and fan of Tony Buzan's Mind Mapping technique for decades. This book is an excellent refresher for anyone who has used the system. It includes additional suggestions for how to use Mind Mapping in every day life.
I had hoped it would take us further in depth than the original book but I guess the author did so well initially that this book just reinforced and supported how well the Mind Mapping system has been used world wide.
I had hoped it would take us further in depth than the original book but I guess the author did so well initially that this book just reinforced and supported how well the Mind Mapping system has been used world wide.
December 12, 2022
How can a person be analytical and creative at the same time? Can we easily switch from “focused” brain mode to “diffuse” free flow of neurons, while performing the same task? Can I be creative while planning? Can I be analytical while drawing?
Well, it’s already known that brain limitations won’t allow you to do those things simultaneously - but mind mapping seems to be as close as we can get to it.
Although I’ve been familiar with the concept for some time, and have used it to get some things done - now I’m aware that I knew nothing about mind maps, as well as that I’ve been using them wrongly the entire time.
Tony Buzan covers the history, theory and practical aspect of mind mapping, with bunch of examples, practical use-cases, stories and theoretical background, which all clicked together like a finished puzzle, opening a bunch of new doors for me, each showing me where this tool can be used.
If you’re really familiar with the concept - this book will be repetitive and redundant (repetitiveness is my only critique). But if you lack knowledge, like I did, this covers it all, and you’ll see how mind maps can be used in thinking, planning, projecting, learning, teaching, relationships, improvement of memory and a bunch of other business applications.
Good read. I’m off to draw a mind map about this book.
Well, it’s already known that brain limitations won’t allow you to do those things simultaneously - but mind mapping seems to be as close as we can get to it.
Although I’ve been familiar with the concept for some time, and have used it to get some things done - now I’m aware that I knew nothing about mind maps, as well as that I’ve been using them wrongly the entire time.
Tony Buzan covers the history, theory and practical aspect of mind mapping, with bunch of examples, practical use-cases, stories and theoretical background, which all clicked together like a finished puzzle, opening a bunch of new doors for me, each showing me where this tool can be used.
If you’re really familiar with the concept - this book will be repetitive and redundant (repetitiveness is my only critique). But if you lack knowledge, like I did, this covers it all, and you’ll see how mind maps can be used in thinking, planning, projecting, learning, teaching, relationships, improvement of memory and a bunch of other business applications.
Good read. I’m off to draw a mind map about this book.
March 10, 2021
This book has convinced me that mind mapping is a great tool that everyone can use.
Why, then, did I give the book only 2 stars?
Because I don't think that mind mapping is a magical cure that can solve everything, and that's what the book is mostly about. The anecdotes in the book only show that organisation in one's life will improve anyone's quality of life. They don't prove that mind mapping is the only one way that works. This brings to mind fundamentally contradictory theories in psychology, each of which can help a person come to grips with trauma just by giving the patient a clear way to understand the world.
My second complaint is that, at many points, the author refers to research that seemingly supports mind mapping, but it really doesn't. An example would be the study that showed that people remember pictures very well. That might well be true (as everyone probably already knew), but it provides no evidence that mind maps are pictures. Buzan simply asserts that to be the case. In my opinion, a statement which is that unintuitive needs more proof.
Tl;dr
This book bad; mind mapping gyd; won't cure cancer
Why, then, did I give the book only 2 stars?
Because I don't think that mind mapping is a magical cure that can solve everything, and that's what the book is mostly about. The anecdotes in the book only show that organisation in one's life will improve anyone's quality of life. They don't prove that mind mapping is the only one way that works. This brings to mind fundamentally contradictory theories in psychology, each of which can help a person come to grips with trauma just by giving the patient a clear way to understand the world.
My second complaint is that, at many points, the author refers to research that seemingly supports mind mapping, but it really doesn't. An example would be the study that showed that people remember pictures very well. That might well be true (as everyone probably already knew), but it provides no evidence that mind maps are pictures. Buzan simply asserts that to be the case. In my opinion, a statement which is that unintuitive needs more proof.
Tl;dr
This book bad; mind mapping gyd; won't cure cancer
June 9, 2019
Many of the example in the books were not relevant personally to me and sometimes seemed to be a little bit childish and not applicable to the "real world".
However, I think that the main idea is still very useful and can be applied to many domains of human activity, which has the potential to make not only the life of the reader better but also lives of other people that he's interaction with on a daily basis.
However, I think that the main idea is still very useful and can be applied to many domains of human activity, which has the potential to make not only the life of the reader better but also lives of other people that he's interaction with on a daily basis.
April 30, 2023
Mind Map Mastery is written in a tone of breathless enthusiasm, which is only reasonable, since Buzan spent half a century promoting his idea. I'm a big fan of non-linear information organization*, enough so that I would up entirely reorienting my career around the idea of using social network analysis and graphs to understand research collaborations.
Mind maps are subtly different from other chart-like forms of presentation. A mind map starts with a central concept image, with curvy radiating branches going out in all direction. The first level of branches are thick and curvy, but subsequent levels trace graceful arcs. A proper mind map uses lots of colors, single word labels along the branches, and small drawings. Notably, a Mind Map is distinct from a spider chart, the more conventional graph with straight spindly lines connecting bubbles with words in them, and something I use a lot.
This book has some tables of exercises to help build your mind mapping skills. I'm skeptical of the absolute benefits in terms of memory, creativity, and organization that Buzan promises with his tool, and this brief book definitely isn't worth the $12 Amazon is charging for it (I got it for $3), but it's an idea that's interesting enough to make me track down some markers.
*Actually, the best form of data is bulk columnar, but every day Excel exists we stray further from God's Divine Light.
Mind maps are subtly different from other chart-like forms of presentation. A mind map starts with a central concept image, with curvy radiating branches going out in all direction. The first level of branches are thick and curvy, but subsequent levels trace graceful arcs. A proper mind map uses lots of colors, single word labels along the branches, and small drawings. Notably, a Mind Map is distinct from a spider chart, the more conventional graph with straight spindly lines connecting bubbles with words in them, and something I use a lot.
This book has some tables of exercises to help build your mind mapping skills. I'm skeptical of the absolute benefits in terms of memory, creativity, and organization that Buzan promises with his tool, and this brief book definitely isn't worth the $12 Amazon is charging for it (I got it for $3), but it's an idea that's interesting enough to make me track down some markers.
*Actually, the best form of data is bulk columnar, but every day Excel exists we stray further from God's Divine Light.
July 28, 2021
Книга зацікавлює спробувати і самій взятись за створення мап думок👌Багато теоретичної інформації, прикладів і практичних порад.
Найбільше мені подобається ідея застосування мап думок для конспектування лекцій: це дозволило б уникнути кілометрів тексту та допомогло б зосередитись на ключових поняттях теми.
Найбільше мені подобається ідея застосування мап думок для конспектування лекцій: це дозволило б уникнути кілометрів тексту та допомогло б зосередитись на ключових поняттях теми.
August 20, 2019
Only little useful content besides what constitutes a solid mind map and what the benefits are.
He tends to go on and on about unrelated things, repeating himself and stuffing in many, many examples about a concept which is fairly easy to grasp.
I will definitely be using Mind maps, but Tony could have condensed this book into about 20 solid pages, which would have gotten 5 stars from me.
He tends to go on and on about unrelated things, repeating himself and stuffing in many, many examples about a concept which is fairly easy to grasp.
I will definitely be using Mind maps, but Tony could have condensed this book into about 20 solid pages, which would have gotten 5 stars from me.
May 29, 2021
Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan is a quick read. Though the book is close to 200 pages, most of the book is full with examples and descriptions of Mind-maps. Actual learning inputs are comparatively less.
Book does articulate its linkages to ancient Greek, and Egyptian imagery. It traces mapping of stalwarts like Einstein, Newton, Darwin and even with Leonardo-da-vinci but author takes stand that his method/technique of mind-map is his own. And he has derived it based on the various research findings that he studied about the brain functioning.
But not much details about these literature review is used in the book. (That certainly make it easy and fast read).
Book quickly outlines the what the mind map according to Tony Buzan and what are its characteristics. How and why it uses colors, lines, position, and imagery. Author claims - it is the most efficient tool to memory and creativity. Reason it draws based on the imagination, visualization, and association . These are the keys to retention in memory according to brain-science. Book did outlines large number of applications of this simple but highly efficient technique. In fact - a table in the book outlines 99 different applications categorized under work, home, creativity, education, and memory . Some applications like daily planning or tour/travel planning or summarizing book do looks interesting and promising.
Thus - a quick weekend read can introduce you to this different world of mind mapping. Book lovers can use this different way to take notes!
Book does articulate its linkages to ancient Greek, and Egyptian imagery. It traces mapping of stalwarts like Einstein, Newton, Darwin and even with Leonardo-da-vinci but author takes stand that his method/technique of mind-map is his own. And he has derived it based on the various research findings that he studied about the brain functioning.
But not much details about these literature review is used in the book. (That certainly make it easy and fast read).
Book quickly outlines the what the mind map according to Tony Buzan and what are its characteristics. How and why it uses colors, lines, position, and imagery. Author claims - it is the most efficient tool to memory and creativity. Reason it draws based on the imagination, visualization, and association . These are the keys to retention in memory according to brain-science. Book did outlines large number of applications of this simple but highly efficient technique. In fact - a table in the book outlines 99 different applications categorized under work, home, creativity, education, and memory . Some applications like daily planning or tour/travel planning or summarizing book do looks interesting and promising.
Thus - a quick weekend read can introduce you to this different world of mind mapping. Book lovers can use this different way to take notes!
July 31, 2020
After finishing this book, I realized that one of our teachers had been teaching this method a long time ago but in a very "primitive way" while preparing for essay writing. But since then, I didn't follow through that method.
I luckily stumbled upon this book while researching Memory Palace. And after finishing this book, I was taken completely by surprise looking at the huge application of this method, not just on the study but in day to day life.
I simply recommend this book to anyone who wants to excel their skill in whatever aspects they are engaged in.
I luckily stumbled upon this book while researching Memory Palace. And after finishing this book, I was taken completely by surprise looking at the huge application of this method, not just on the study but in day to day life.
I simply recommend this book to anyone who wants to excel their skill in whatever aspects they are engaged in.
August 26, 2018
Mind Maps are more powerful than anything in this book.
I use mind mapping software for organizing thoughts and projects all the time. The title is correct in that it's the most powerful tool I've come across in decades. However, you won't get that usefulness out of this book. The mind maps presented by the author are the touchy-feely kind that a "facilitator" might make during a meeting and are then never looked at again.
I use mind mapping software for organizing thoughts and projects all the time. The title is correct in that it's the most powerful tool I've come across in decades. However, you won't get that usefulness out of this book. The mind maps presented by the author are the touchy-feely kind that a "facilitator" might make during a meeting and are then never looked at again.
November 2, 2022
A bit too repetitive for my taste
If you use mind maps regularly for a several months there won´t be anything new to you
Great for beginners, but I do not recommend following the mindmapping rules mentioned there riligiously as it doesn´t work for everybody, so I only use them as guidelines
His mindmapping approach could be greatly combined with sketchnotes
If you use mind maps regularly for a several months there won´t be anything new to you
Great for beginners, but I do not recommend following the mindmapping rules mentioned there riligiously as it doesn´t work for everybody, so I only use them as guidelines
His mindmapping approach could be greatly combined with sketchnotes
March 19, 2020
I am using it almost everyday!
And it allows me to create endlessly and easily. Ideas and requirements just pop-up! This book, in an easy way, just lets you understand the main concepts and refine them along the time. Definitely a reference to come back for refreshment of ideas!
And it allows me to create endlessly and easily. Ideas and requirements just pop-up! This book, in an easy way, just lets you understand the main concepts and refine them along the time. Definitely a reference to come back for refreshment of ideas!
September 2, 2020
Really liked the concept. It's laws, techniques and applications are well elaborated in the book but the book becomes repetitive. Merely skimming each page in one glance was enough to grasp all of its content. I wish it could provide more precise steps on mind mapping.
March 13, 2021
I was familiar with mind maps primarily as a way to study content. I've never used them for planning or for problem solving. The author presents an array of mind maps for different purposes that makes sense and that I can see myself using in the future.
February 5, 2021
A good book with some good ideas on thinking differently. Will use the techniques to develop some new presentations.
I'm always wary of anything with "laws".
I'm always wary of anything with "laws".
April 28, 2025
Tot el llibre repentint el mateix
January 26, 2024
Upfront, I am a contrarian giving this 5 Stars and a outwardly proposing that it's a required read, but I must ask, what's with the crushingly bad reviews on this book...? I disagree with many reviewers who had said that it droned on about the same topic. If anything, I learned more about in the 2nd part of the book (what a mind map isn't). Yes, Tony Buzan is self-promotional. But should the reader care if it's a fun read and it teaches you a new technique that helps considerably with truly a lot of things?
Recently I was wandering in the literary wilderness looking to pick back up on digesting books on how to improve cognition and memory, and in my post-Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything euphoria, I remembered that I wanted to read more about this interesting topic. Mr. Buzan is presented as a prominent figure in that book, so I decide to add this to my radar and read about his "Mind Mapping" dictum. If you actually that the time to make two maps: one with and one without the rules he prescribes, there's a reason why it's less of a lightbulb moment and more of a full-on, Vegas-style neon sign flashing that this is an incredible technique. There are a few, very simple aspects (and I mean VERY simple) that make it work better than not following the entire system.
Some reviewers are bothered by using the creative side of their brain to help out the hippocampus in problem solving, but it's been famously documented elsewhere - The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain being perhaps the most famous tome on it.
I'm a sponge to the topic of personal information organization which includes note taking, memorization and problem solving, and the humdrum world of The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future and their ilk have their place; but Buzan is presenting the mental equivalent of a Swiss Army knife to capture and retain knowledge, schedules, recipes, etc. without using rote methods. As he discusses in the book, it has a considerable community of followers for those who have been in cognitive decline due to an illness or accident.
I always thought I was savvy with spider and fish head diagrams for this purpose, but turns out, I was merely playing in the kiddie pool of organizing thoughts. Buzan's mind maps are the deep end – colorful, intricate, and slightly intimidating in their genius.
It's like discovering your daily coffee has been decaf all along. Buzan introduces mind maps with the finesse of a magician revealing his tricks, except it's all science and no rabbits. The premise is Gestalt Psychology: The Definitive Statement of the Gestalt Theory which has been proven in fMRI studies: a human brain, through the process of "closure," tries to connect the dots on larger sequences or patterns, and the neuroplastic side effect is a longer-term memory of that particular image. It's seemingly stupid that after reading thousands of books in my life that nothing yet has pointed out [yet] that it's all about "pretty colors and fancy shapes." The illuminati apparently have something else up their sleeves, but for me, using this technique I've found that stuff actually sticks in my brain. At age 50 my recall on a subject I mind mapped is at least 25-30% better than if I didn't do one. It turns out that our gray matter has a thing for artistic flair.
At a high level, this approach nods to Elon Musk's problem solving love affair with Aristotle's First PrinciplesAristotle's First Principles, turning what could be a dry, philosophical concept into a solo brainstorming extravaganza. Buzan doesn't just stand on the shoulders of giants; he does a little jig up there, blending existing ideas with a dash of pizzazz. Are they all his ideas? The bibliography is mostly old references to outdated papers (the opening cites An Analysis Of The Processes In The Trace Field by Dr. Wolgang Köhler and Dr. Hedwig von Restorff from 1933. So I can see how some downplay the effectiveness based on the Mr. Buzan's inability to update his sources). I did a significant amount of further research and found that yes, Mr. Buzan is indeed the inventor of this process ; though there are a LOT of similar concepts.
Recommendation? Absolutely. It's the kind of book you wish you'd read sooner, but only if time machines were as readily available as mind-mapping software. Speaking of which, diving into the new apps for this technique like XMind / XMind-AI and Ayoa has been like planning a trip to Mars but without the pesky need for a rocket.
Reflecting on reading this posthumously adds a tinge of melancholy, channeling a bit of Billy Joel's wisdom – "Only the Good Die Young." Tony Buzan may have left the building, but his mind-mapping legacy is like that one guest at the party who never leaves, continually enlightening us with the art of organized thinking. In short, your brain might just thank you for picking up this book – or at least stop complaining about being bored.
Recently I was wandering in the literary wilderness looking to pick back up on digesting books on how to improve cognition and memory, and in my post-Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything euphoria, I remembered that I wanted to read more about this interesting topic. Mr. Buzan is presented as a prominent figure in that book, so I decide to add this to my radar and read about his "Mind Mapping" dictum. If you actually that the time to make two maps: one with and one without the rules he prescribes, there's a reason why it's less of a lightbulb moment and more of a full-on, Vegas-style neon sign flashing that this is an incredible technique. There are a few, very simple aspects (and I mean VERY simple) that make it work better than not following the entire system.
Some reviewers are bothered by using the creative side of their brain to help out the hippocampus in problem solving, but it's been famously documented elsewhere - The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain being perhaps the most famous tome on it.
I'm a sponge to the topic of personal information organization which includes note taking, memorization and problem solving, and the humdrum world of The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future and their ilk have their place; but Buzan is presenting the mental equivalent of a Swiss Army knife to capture and retain knowledge, schedules, recipes, etc. without using rote methods. As he discusses in the book, it has a considerable community of followers for those who have been in cognitive decline due to an illness or accident.
I always thought I was savvy with spider and fish head diagrams for this purpose, but turns out, I was merely playing in the kiddie pool of organizing thoughts. Buzan's mind maps are the deep end – colorful, intricate, and slightly intimidating in their genius.
It's like discovering your daily coffee has been decaf all along. Buzan introduces mind maps with the finesse of a magician revealing his tricks, except it's all science and no rabbits. The premise is Gestalt Psychology: The Definitive Statement of the Gestalt Theory which has been proven in fMRI studies: a human brain, through the process of "closure," tries to connect the dots on larger sequences or patterns, and the neuroplastic side effect is a longer-term memory of that particular image. It's seemingly stupid that after reading thousands of books in my life that nothing yet has pointed out [yet] that it's all about "pretty colors and fancy shapes." The illuminati apparently have something else up their sleeves, but for me, using this technique I've found that stuff actually sticks in my brain. At age 50 my recall on a subject I mind mapped is at least 25-30% better than if I didn't do one. It turns out that our gray matter has a thing for artistic flair.
At a high level, this approach nods to Elon Musk's problem solving love affair with Aristotle's First PrinciplesAristotle's First Principles, turning what could be a dry, philosophical concept into a solo brainstorming extravaganza. Buzan doesn't just stand on the shoulders of giants; he does a little jig up there, blending existing ideas with a dash of pizzazz. Are they all his ideas? The bibliography is mostly old references to outdated papers (the opening cites An Analysis Of The Processes In The Trace Field by Dr. Wolgang Köhler and Dr. Hedwig von Restorff from 1933. So I can see how some downplay the effectiveness based on the Mr. Buzan's inability to update his sources). I did a significant amount of further research and found that yes, Mr. Buzan is indeed the inventor of this process ; though there are a LOT of similar concepts.
Recommendation? Absolutely. It's the kind of book you wish you'd read sooner, but only if time machines were as readily available as mind-mapping software. Speaking of which, diving into the new apps for this technique like XMind / XMind-AI and Ayoa has been like planning a trip to Mars but without the pesky need for a rocket.
Reflecting on reading this posthumously adds a tinge of melancholy, channeling a bit of Billy Joel's wisdom – "Only the Good Die Young." Tony Buzan may have left the building, but his mind-mapping legacy is like that one guest at the party who never leaves, continually enlightening us with the art of organized thinking. In short, your brain might just thank you for picking up this book – or at least stop complaining about being bored.
August 14, 2018
I've heard a lot, and been involved in numerous of brain-blooming sessions to use this tool. It's not a miraculous tool, if you're not well-aware of the subjects you'll try to cover. However for memorisation, I think I've been using a similar thing, using LOADS of colours and shapes, that proved effective over time, as I always and still find it hard to memorise anything.
The book is very practical on the other hand, you'll need to practise all along, tbh I didn't do that...
The book is very practical on the other hand, you'll need to practise all along, tbh I didn't do that...
March 7, 2020
Todo el mundo debería leer este libro y aprender a utilizar esta maravillosa herramienta.
Es un libro a todo color y está muy bien escrito y ordenado, con buenos fundamentos teóricos y lo más importante, con ejercicios propuestos para comprobar por nosotros mismos el poder de los mapas mentales.
Es un libro a todo color y está muy bien escrito y ordenado, con buenos fundamentos teóricos y lo más importante, con ejercicios propuestos para comprobar por nosotros mismos el poder de los mapas mentales.
January 13, 2022
The idea of information structure is nice, but the book is terrible. It seems like a cheap advertisement about crappy thing on TV. Huuuuge amount of water, repeating of everything on each page. This book can be written in 5-10 pages. I didn't manage to finish it. Really boring.
August 3, 2021
Mind Map
Десь колись, чи то чийсь блог, чи то якась стаття склала у мене враження, що мапа думок - це щось схоже на меню сайтів. Я помилялась)
Якщо вам цікаво познайомитися з цією технікою мислення і занотовування, то ця книжка від винахідника mind map розкаже-пояснить-навчить основам. Шикарне оформлення і якісно адаптовані ілюстрації, хороший папір і ��е паперова обкладинка (останні художні книжки від ВСЛ я встигаю попсувати у сумці 🙈)
🌳 Цікаво було ознайомитись з цією технікою з "першоджерела".
🌳 Гарно описані "самозванці", які тільки прикидаються мапами думок (привіт, діаграми і концепт-плани, дерева і графи).
🌳 Хочу спробувати застосувати мапу думок для вивчення іноземних слів (і протестувати на дітях).
🌳 Візуалізація і короткі ключові слова як спосіб запам'ятати інформацію. Ніби давно знайоме, але в яскравій подачі.
🌲 Як на книжку, в якій кілька разів повторювалось про те яке погане лінійне мислення і списки, в ній забагато... списків.
🌲 Не оминула цей нонфікшн їхня стандартна хвороба - постійне повторення того самого, непрактичні приклади "оцей чувак крутий, mind maps змінили його життя"
🌲 Може в мене занадто "лінійне" мислення, але я тяжко уявляю практичне застосування mind maps в фінансах чи на офіційних нарадах. Хоча було згадано окрему книгу іншого автора про мапи думок в менеджменті. Цікаво би було погортати.
Для вирішення нестандартної проблеми чи зважування всіх за і проти мапа думок може бути корисною. Але, дякую, для графіку робочих дзвінків, дитячих гуртків чи планування важливих подій я краще використовуватиму Гугл календар і не засмічуватиму ними свою пам'ять.
Отакий мішаний ліс 🌳🌵
Десь колись, чи то чийсь блог, чи то якась стаття склала у мене враження, що мапа думок - це щось схоже на меню сайтів. Я помилялась)
Якщо вам цікаво познайомитися з цією технікою мислення і занотовування, то ця книжка від винахідника mind map розкаже-пояснить-навчить основам. Шикарне оформлення і якісно адаптовані ілюстрації, хороший папір і ��е паперова обкладинка (останні художні книжки від ВСЛ я встигаю попсувати у сумці 🙈)
🌳 Цікаво було ознайомитись з цією технікою з "першоджерела".
🌳 Гарно описані "самозванці", які тільки прикидаються мапами думок (привіт, діаграми і концепт-плани, дерева і графи).
🌳 Хочу спробувати застосувати мапу думок для вивчення іноземних слів (і протестувати на дітях).
🌳 Візуалізація і короткі ключові слова як спосіб запам'ятати інформацію. Ніби давно знайоме, але в яскравій подачі.
🌲 Як на книжку, в якій кілька разів повторювалось про те яке погане лінійне мислення і списки, в ній забагато... списків.
🌲 Не оминула цей нонфікшн їхня стандартна хвороба - постійне повторення того самого, непрактичні приклади "оцей чувак крутий, mind maps змінили його життя"
🌲 Може в мене занадто "лінійне" мислення, але я тяжко уявляю практичне застосування mind maps в фінансах чи на офіційних нарадах. Хоча було згадано окрему книгу іншого автора про мапи думок в менеджменті. Цікаво би було погортати.
Для вирішення нестандартної проблеми чи зважування всіх за і проти мапа думок може бути корисною. Але, дякую, для графіку робочих дзвінків, дитячих гуртків чи планування важливих подій я краще використовуватиму Гугл календар і не засмічуватиму ними свою пам'ять.
Отакий мішаний ліс 🌳🌵
July 25, 2022
я чула про цей концепт, проте ніколи не втілювала! побачила книжку у Книгарні старого лева, і мене зацікавило оформлення книги, яскраві ілюстрації, і загалом - тема. проте 200 сторінок, як для теми, забагато... після 80 сторінок я відчула певне розчарування, і скажу чесно, багато тексту сканувала або пропускала, тому що автор повторювався. "мапи думок прекрасні, їх можна всюди використовувати".
тим не менш, цю книжку можна розгортати і перечитувати фрагменти (я собі наліпила закладки), аби знайти натхнення на створення мапи думок. наприклад, коли в тебе є труднощі у якійсь сфері, чи ти почуваєшся "застряглим". на прикладах зрозуміло, як це має виглядати, і справді в голові виринають усілякі ідеї, про що можна подумати з цією практикою.
якщо оцінювати не методику (бо її я спробую завтра), а саме книжку - я думаю можна знайти якісь поради в інеті, або погортати книжку у книгарні і пофоткати собі ключові моменти, лол.
видавництво зробило гарну книжку, правда! але я, певне, очікувала чогось більше, хех
тим не менш, цю книжку можна розгортати і перечитувати фрагменти (я собі наліпила закладки), аби знайти натхнення на створення мапи думок. наприклад, коли в тебе є труднощі у якійсь сфері, чи ти почуваєшся "застряглим". на прикладах зрозуміло, як це має виглядати, і справді в голові виринають усілякі ідеї, про що можна подумати з цією практикою.
якщо оцінювати не методику (бо її я спробую завтра), а саме книжку - я думаю можна знайти якісь поради в інеті, або погортати книжку у книгарні і пофоткати собі ключові моменти, лол.
видавництво зробило гарну книжку, правда! але я, певне, очікувала чогось більше, хех
June 17, 2023
Overall the book is well structured and easy to read.
Methods and approaches are described pretty well. Main rules to build mind map also well explained.
This book contains many feedbacks from people who have gained their mind after getting an experience in building mind maps. This part of the book looks like author is trying to sell this technic to the reader so it started anoying me.
I was expecting to find well explained technic how to use MM in problem solving or decision making but have found it only on high level.
All rest is good and as I said above it's easy reading.
I think I have to provide better feedback on this book after using MM technic for a few month as for now I have build just 3 maps
Methods and approaches are described pretty well. Main rules to build mind map also well explained.
This book contains many feedbacks from people who have gained their mind after getting an experience in building mind maps. This part of the book looks like author is trying to sell this technic to the reader so it started anoying me.
I was expecting to find well explained technic how to use MM in problem solving or decision making but have found it only on high level.
All rest is good and as I said above it's easy reading.
I think I have to provide better feedback on this book after using MM technic for a few month as for now I have build just 3 maps
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
Le mappe mentali sono un metodo molto efficace per prendere appunti, se non uno tra i migliori, per organizzare le giornate, il lavoro, le vacanze e molto altro.
Il libro, scritto dall'autore di chi ha creato le mind maps, spiega e chiarisce quale sia il giusto utilizzo delle mappe per ottenere il massimo risultato, dove e quando applicarle.
Tony Buzan definisce perché le mappe mentali siano così efficaci e importanti, uno strumento da implementare nelle nostre vite quotidiane, con numerosi esempi pratici ed esercizi per aiutarci nella loro realizzazione.
Un ottimo libro per chi vuole scoprire e/o approfondire uno strumento veramente brillante.
Il libro, scritto dall'autore di chi ha creato le mind maps, spiega e chiarisce quale sia il giusto utilizzo delle mappe per ottenere il massimo risultato, dove e quando applicarle.
Tony Buzan definisce perché le mappe mentali siano così efficaci e importanti, uno strumento da implementare nelle nostre vite quotidiane, con numerosi esempi pratici ed esercizi per aiutarci nella loro realizzazione.
Un ottimo libro per chi vuole scoprire e/o approfondire uno strumento veramente brillante.
February 29, 2024
Clear and direct, with tons of illustrations.
Basically Buzan was concerned about the amount of misunderstandings + misdirection provided by the so-called mind map experts out there, and wanted to lay down the correct approach in this book.
It’s actually quite repetitive for such a short book, but Buzan makes it crystal clear what a mind map is and isn’t, with lots of examples on its practical applications. I realized that I've been doing mind-mapping the "wrong" way since I didn't use 1 word per branch. Still not used to this approach but I guess it comes with practice.
Book summary at : https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
Basically Buzan was concerned about the amount of misunderstandings + misdirection provided by the so-called mind map experts out there, and wanted to lay down the correct approach in this book.
It’s actually quite repetitive for such a short book, but Buzan makes it crystal clear what a mind map is and isn’t, with lots of examples on its practical applications. I realized that I've been doing mind-mapping the "wrong" way since I didn't use 1 word per branch. Still not used to this approach but I guess it comes with practice.
Book summary at : https://readingraphics.com/book-summa...
June 18, 2021
A mind map is a great concept, it was used by the greatest minds like Leonardo Da Vinci, Dr Richard Feynman, and Einstein, a few centuries ago, but the author claimed that it was invented by him.
A mind map is the right way to make notes this how our brain works like the veins spread in the leaf, branches of trees, and neurons in our brain, not in one direction like list and tabular formats, the way our teachers taught us in school, and we killed our creative thinking.
It's a short read and highly recommended.
A mind map is the right way to make notes this how our brain works like the veins spread in the leaf, branches of trees, and neurons in our brain, not in one direction like list and tabular formats, the way our teachers taught us in school, and we killed our creative thinking.
It's a short read and highly recommended.
January 18, 2022
Well this book gave me a new perspective on how my brain and every human brain works! And I wasn't expecting so much detailed examples, after reading some reviews I tought it would be boring and redundant. But I decided to give it a chance, and I am glad I did.
The examples of applications are so enlightning that invites me to want to read more about the subject. It is a great book to start knowing yourself, ot at least mapping out your ideas!
Recommended to any one looking to optimize his ability and explore new techniques to be more productive, organized.
The examples of applications are so enlightning that invites me to want to read more about the subject. It is a great book to start knowing yourself, ot at least mapping out your ideas!
Recommended to any one looking to optimize his ability and explore new techniques to be more productive, organized.
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