Exploring the Art of Commonplacing: A Timeless Practice
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Chapter 1: Understanding Commonplacing
Did you know that the collection of song lyrics, movie quotes, and literary excerpts you keep in a worn notebook (or a stack of sticky notes) has a specific term? This practice, known as commonplacing, has been utilized for centuries. If you’re anything like me, you may have engaged in it your whole life without realizing it’s a long-standing tradition. In essence, commonplacing involves gathering relevant information that piques your interest in one shared location. This could be a memorable paragraph from a book or a quote from someone you admire. Here’s a glimpse into my own commonplace book.
I selected an A6 dotted Leuchtturm as my latest (and most deliberate) commonplace book. I appreciate its size because it prevents the process from feeling overwhelming and eliminates the guilt of not filling it quickly. If you love notebooks, you’re likely familiar with that pressure.
Section 1.1: Getting Started with Commonplacing
If you're considering giving it a shot, here’s my honest take: I’m not a fan of the common advice often shared on lifestyle blogs and YouTube channels—“all you need is a notebook and a pen.” For me, it’s much more than that. I need to truly enjoy the materials I’m using to maintain consistency. While I agree that you don’t need to splurge on stationery… unless you want to, of course. This is your personal book, and you should love what you write in; otherwise, you might find it hard to keep up.
Subsection 1.1.1: What to Include in Your Commonplace Book
Traditionally, commonplacing involves the collection of information that you find both fascinating and useful—essentially, things you want to remember and keep organized. In my case, I only include information I wish to revisit, such as recipes, quotes, notes from podcasts or articles, and insights on topics I enjoy, like writing. I don't add my own thoughts; instead, I gather data that I find intriguing.
You can include whatever you wish in your book. From project ideas and dreams you want to recall to lists of books you intend to read, make it uniquely yours. Document anything that you find helpful. Personally, I keep lists and frequently added information in my Hobonichi Weeks; my commonplace book serves more as an encyclopedia.
Section 1.2: Organizing Your Commonplace Book
There are various methods to categorize your entries. Personally, I don’t utilize any particular system, but a popular approach involves color-coding. You can use highlighters or colored stickers to mark entries according to designated topics, making it easier to locate them later. Alternatively, some people maintain separate commonplace books for specific subjects. I once initiated one focused solely on true crime cases that intrigued me.
In summary, if you adore journaling and documenting things you find enjoyable, a commonplace book could be the ideal way to collect all those scattered bits of paper. However, before rushing out to purchase a Moleskine, why not check your closet? You may just discover an unused notebook ready for a new purpose.
Chapter 2: Benefits of Commonplacing
The first video titled "How to Keep a Commonplace Book (And Why You Should)" offers insights into the practice of commonplacing and its advantages, encouraging viewers to embrace this enriching method.
The second video titled "What is a Commonplace Book? (Philosopher Explains)" delves into the philosophical underpinnings of commonplacing, providing a deeper understanding of its historical context and significance.