The Transformative Power of Notebooks: Write Better and Think Deeper
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Chapter 1: The Art of Capturing Thoughts
Years ago, I stumbled upon a profound quote by Salman Rushdie: "How do you measure love? You measure it by the size of the hole it leaves behind." This quote resonated with me so deeply that it inspired a television pilot I later developed. I first encountered this quote in a book filled with wisdom on a myriad of subjects, including love, death, and writing.
During my student days, when I needed a break from studying, I would often turn to this collection. It featured quotes from renowned figures and anonymous sources alike, each encapsulating wisdom in just a few words. Whenever I came across a quote that struck me, I would mark it for future reference. However, I soon realized that with so many quotes, I struggled to remember them all. Thus, I decided to be more selective, becoming a connoisseur of quotes and noting only those that truly resonated with me in a dedicated notebook.
Unbeknownst to me, I wasn't alone in this practice. Historically, many individuals have relied on notebooks. Before the Internet era, these personal repositories were known as Commonplace Books. Roland Allen's book, "The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper," delves into this fascinating subject. It chronicles the evolution of notebooks from their inception in Florence in 1299 to their varied uses across cultures.
Allen’s passion for the topic shines through his engaging writing. He weaves captivating stories rather than presenting a dry list of facts. One such tale involves Isaac Newton. Most students learn about the myth of Newton discovering gravity when an apple fell from a tree. However, the truth is more nuanced.
The story begins with a priest named Barnaby Smith, who aimed to compile wisdom from scriptures into a Commonplace Book. He recorded about 40,000 words of insight before shelving it, returning to life until he was widowed at sixty-three. Unwilling to embrace bachelorhood again, he married a widow named Hannah Ayscough Newton, who had a three-year-old son—Isaac. Isaac discovered his stepfather's book and rebranded it as The Waste Book. Contrary to modern perceptions, a waste book was where initial thoughts were recorded, later refined into polished ideas for sharing.
In this Waste Book, Isaac Newton captured his early thoughts, inspirations, and various mathematical musings, eventually leading to his groundbreaking theory of gravitation. He sought to project the image of a solitary genius, carefully editing out references to other scientists' contributions and perpetuating the tale of the falling apple.
Notebooks have served as essential tools for many great minds, including Leonardo da Vinci, who kept over fifty notebooks filled with insights on various topics ranging from physics to anatomy. A notebook is not merely a collection of blank pages; it is a canvas for thought.
I personally maintain several notebooks. One, a small red notebook I acquired during a visit to an Irish library, is compact and perfect for jotting down quotes that inspire me. It's like my personal Commonplace Book. Another Moleskine notebook serves as a space for brainstorming ideas, drafting captions for ads, and outlining narratives. When creating stories, I jot down character thoughts and actions, exploring the depths of my imagination.
If you envision your mind as a vast cave filled with uncharted spaces, a notebook acts as both a flashlight and a shovel, helping you navigate and uncover hidden gems of thought. Here are three significant benefits of maintaining a notebook:
- It helps you navigate the myriad ideas swirling in your mind.
- It allows you the freedom to explore your thoughts in any direction.
- It encourages diving into various topics, revealing unexpected insights.
By seeing your thoughts take shape on paper, you can rearrange and organize them in meaningful ways. This practice is truly the art of thinking on paper. After reading "The Notebook," my commitment to journaling intensified, reassuring me that I am part of a rich tradition. You, too, will find comfort in keeping a notebook.
The first video discusses the advantages of maintaining a journal, including how it can enhance your writing and self-expression.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Habit of Journaling
The second video explores compelling reasons to keep a journal, highlighting its role in personal growth and reflection.