Comment by gundmc
> Memorizing famous speeches probably isn’t much easier if you understand the historical context.
Not commenting on the merits of critical thinking vs memorization either way, but I think it would be meaningfully easier to memorize famous speeches if you understand the historical context.
For memorizing a speech word-for-word, I don't think so. Knowing the years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address aren't gonna help you nail the exact wording of the first sentence.