I have always been interested in culture. Many countries have very distinctive cultures, which date back many hundreds of years. I have learned that by understanding a country's culture, you can better understand the people who practice this culture.
I have learned that China has one of the oldest cultures in the world, consisting of language, food, style, morals, music, art, and marriage customs.
When I visited Guangzhou in 2019, I was invited to speak at a school in the city. I was impressed by the dedication of the teachers in keeping the traditional culture alive. They taught stories, art, and poetry. It was a very important part of their curriculum.
I was so impressed by this that I wanted to learn more about Chinese culture. I was especially interested in food, as the food styles changed depending on the region that I visited. Food in Chengdu was quite different to the food in Guangzhou.
China is so rich in the most wonderful and long-lasting culture, so the teaching and remembering of cultural stories is very important. I understand the importance of remembering the past and also current cultures. I believe it makes a person a better citizen.
Poetry is a beautiful way of telling stories, relaying cultural stories and events. I understand that ancient poetry is being taught in Chinese schools, which is testimony to the importance of this written record.
When I was young, I love listening to poetry, but I could never recite poetry like some of my classmates. I admired their skills. Some of my friends can still recite poetry that has significant meaning to a subject we are discussing.
When Liu Yan wrote to me to say that she has written a book on a method to learn Ancient Poetry by using Mind Maps, I was very excited. Mind Maps are a perfect tool to learn and remember poetry. Tony Buzan, who was a prolific poet, publishing many thousands of poems, believed Mind Maps and poetry with inextricably connected.
Liu has shared some pages of the book with me. I was very pleased to see that the illustrations of the Mind Maps are of a very high standard. Each one is a piece of artwork in itself, using beautiful colors and inspirational drawings.
Liu Yan is the world champion of the 8th World Mind Map Championships in 2016, and as the head coach of the Chinese team in 2017, she also trained new world's mind map champion and third winner.
Liu Yan has accompanied Mr. Buzan many times to teach disciples in China, and she is a Mind Maps tutor whom Mr. Buzan appreciates and recommends very much.
Liu Yan strictly follows the laws of Mind Mapping, ensuring that the maximum capacity for remembering is maintained. The use of colorful pictures makes remembering the poetry very easy and is also great fun. Tony Buzan would have been very proud to see his memory tool, the Mind Map, being used is such an effective way.
This book is an important documentation of traditional chinese poetry, something that every person should read and enjoy.
Prince Marek Kasperski
Global Chief Arbiter in Mind Mapping and Speed Reading