# Learning \[from SuperMemo\] (2025-11-26)

**URL:** <https://pluralist.net/t/learning-from-supermemo-2025-11-26/324>\
**Category:** breadcrumbs\
**Created:** [November 26, 2025, 2:38pm UTC](https://pluralist.net/t/learning-from-supermemo-2025-11-26/324 "2025-11-26T14:38:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![delyan](https://pluralist.net/user_avatar/pluralist.net/delyan/32/245_2.png) [@delyan](https://pluralist.net/u/delyan)\
**Post date:** [November 26, 2025, 2:38pm UTC](https://pluralist.net/t/learning-from-supermemo-2025-11-26/324/1 "2025-11-26T14:38:35Z")

</div>

This is a summary of the 20-rules from “Twenty rules of formulating knowledge” (SuperMemo) by Piotr Wozniak. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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## Key ideas

- How you _formulate_ what you learn matters at least as much as what you learn. Good formulation—simple, precise, structured—makes memorization much faster. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- The first rules focus on comprehension and structure; the later ones deal with memory-level optimization (format, interference, reminders, etc.). ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
- Use of spaced repetition is assumed as the substrate for all these rules to yield strong retention. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

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## The 20 Rules (abbreviated)

1. **Don’t learn what you don’t understand.** Comprehension first — blind memorizing is mostly wasted effort. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
2. **Learn before you memorize.** Build a mental map of the subject before drilling facts. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
3. **Build upon the basics.** Master fundamentals before tackling complexity. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
4. **Stick to the minimum-information principle.** Pack each item with the smallest, most atomic chunk of knowledge. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
5. **Use cloze-deletions when possible.** Fill-in-the-blank memory cues are simple and efficient for flashcards. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
6. **Use imagery.** Visuals often stick far better than words. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
7. **Use mnemonic techniques.** Peg-lists, associations, maps — for tricky or dense material. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
8. **Graphic deletion ≈ cloze deletion.** Hiding parts of an image to force recall works like blank-filling. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
9. **Avoid sets.** Large unordered collections (like “list all EU countries”) are very hard to memorize directly. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
10. **Avoid enumerations.** Sequences/lists are tricky; better to use smaller items or cloze-deletions. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
11. **Combat interference.** Similar items can cause confusion — minimize overlap and add distinguishing cues. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
12. **Optimize wording.** Use concise, clear formulations. Avoid fluff. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
13. **Refer to existing memories.** Link new items to what you already know for better integration. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
14. **Personalize and use examples.** Personal context helps anchor memories — makes them more memorable. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
15. **Use emotional/contextual states.** Memories tied to emotions or context tend to be more durable. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
16. **Use context cues to simplify.** Embedding items in a context reduces ambiguity and interference. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
17. **Redundancy doesn’t always hurt.** Slight overlap or multiple paths to recall can help memory, as long as each card stays simple. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
18. **Provide sources.** Track origin of info — especially for complex or changeable material. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
19. **Date-stamp volatile knowledge.** Good for facts or data that may change over time. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
20. **Prioritize.** Some knowledge is more valuable than other. Focus on high-value material; refine or discard the rest. ([SuperMemo](https://www.supermemo.com/en/blog/twenty-rules-of-formulating-knowledge?utm_source=chatgpt.com))