my rating is a 3.5 not a 4. As the title clearly says this book is on mind maps. mind maps are the natural way of connecting and associating things. inspired by the greeks the author clearly shows you what are mind maps , benefits of mind maps and how you can use mind maps in about everything. It is a quick read (100 pgs) but then again it could be distilled in ten pages with details and examples.
-------------------------------spoiler ----- alert --------------------------------
SUMMARY:-
There are two things important to the brain when learning: association and imagination. Great thinkers like Leonardo Da Vinci used pictures, codes and connecting lines in their notes.Mind maps are the ultimate organizational thinking tool. Each mind map has a central image from which branches emanate relating to different things. They all use different colours, lines, symbols , words and images. Making a long list of boring information into a colourful, memorable , highly organized diagram according to your brain's natural way of working which is far easier and more reliable than traditional note-taking techniques.
Making a Mind Map:-
Starting in the centre of a blank page use an image or picture of your central idea. Use different colors to make it exciting for the brain. Connect your main branches to the central image and connect your second and third level branches to the first and second levels there by associating. Make your branches curved rather than straight lined making it more attractive to your mind. Use one key word per line providing more power and flexibility to the mind like a multiplier of associations and connections. Use images throughout as it is worth a thousand words.
How to reduce a book to a single page mind map
scan through main divisions and chapter headings which will give you the main branches of your mind map.
For novels all have a number of major components.
plot - the structure of events
characters - their type and development
setting - the places and times where the events of the novel take place
language - its general level, the type of vocabulary and its rhythm
imagery - the kind of images the author provides for your imagination
themes - the kind of ideas with which the novel deals, including such common themes as love ,power, money, religion, etc
symbolism - where the author substitutes one thing to mean another - for example flowers for love, thunderstorms for anger, calm seas for peace. etc
philosophy - some books present a point of view in order to challenge the way we think
genre - novels can be categorized under different headings, for instance, political, adventure, mystery, detective, historical, etc
"Imagination is more important than knowledge" - Albert Einstein
Creating your ideal future mind map
Imagine that you have limitless time resources and energy and that you can do anything you wish for all eternity.Develop a mind map for your ideal future including all those things you have dreamed of doing at any stage of your life. Languages, musical instruments, drawings, paintings, writings, dance, new subjects, sports and activities. Suggested main branches could be skills, education, family, friends, hobby, job and goals.