Mid-17th century commonplace book annotations.

Marie Kouppi

In the age of digital notebooks and cloud storage, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound practice of keeping commonplace books. But, as trends tend to do, commonplace books are making a subtle but significant comeback.

Rooted in history, cherished by scholars and revered by thinkers, commonplace books are not just a relic of the past but a timeless tool for organising thoughts, capturing inspiration and fostering creativity.

Think of them as your personal treasure trove — a curated collection of wisdom, quotes, and musings from every corner of your world. It’s not just a journal; it’s an intellectual hub where you can organise your thoughts, quotes and ideas in a tangible and personal way that can lead to deeper insights and connections.

The History of Commonplace Books

Commonplace books have a long history rooted in the wisdom of earlier times, going back to antiquity. Intellectuals such as Seneca, Cicero and Leonardo da Vinci were enthusiasts of this medium. These books were information archival spaces where people painstakingly compiled quotes, thoughts, observations and snippets from a variety of sources.

These books were thoughtfully chosen reflections of the author’s intellectual journey, rather than just a random accumulation of knowledge. Every entry was a work of art, carefully written and enriched with notes and observations from the author. Commonplace books were a mirror to the souls of their creators, providing insights into their passions, interests and problems. The act of creating a commonplace book was a deeply personal and introspective process, allowing them to capture their innermost thoughts and ideas in a tangible form.

Rediscovering The Appeal

In a day of temporary digital escapes, the simplicity and tangible nature of the everyday book is increasingly appealing. In contrast to the never-ending barrage of data that flashes across a screen, turning physical pages and feeling the weight of a book in your hands can create a more immersive and grounding reading experience.

Beyond sentimentality, however, a commonplace book acts as a haven in the era of information overload. Although the sheer volume of content can be crippling, a book like this serves as a tool for fostering creativity, awareness and a closer relationship with ideas.

By organising and recording your thoughts, quotes and observations in one place, a commonplace book can help clarify and solidify concepts. It also allows for easy reference and reflection on past insights, fostering personal growth and intellectual development.

Embracing Commonplace Books

So, how does one go about creating and using a commonplace book in the modern age?

The versatility of commonplace books is what makes them so beautiful. It’s a very individualised process that may be customised to fit your preferences — there are no hard and fast guidelines to adhere to. Finding a format that speaks to you is essential; while some people might favour a digital platform, others would prefer a conventional notebook.

@notesonbecoming

the art of commonplace books

♬ original sound – notesonbecoming

Find inspirational materials that speak to you, such as articles, books, podcasts and even real-world conversations. When you come across a passage that resonates with you, dedicate some time to writing it down in your commonplace book. Don’t stop there, though! Add your own thoughts, annotations, and connections to related concepts on each page. You’ll gradually curate a mosaic of knowledge that captures your distinct viewpoint and passions.

This personalised collection will serve as a valuable resource for reflection and inspiration in the future. By actively engaging with the material and making it your own, you’ll deepen your understanding and create a unique intellectual legacy for yourself.

Essentially, commonplace books are a live document that serves as a witness to your journey. So why not partake in reviving this age-old custom? A commonplace book, after all, provides a peaceful haven amidst a noisy world.

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Featured image courtesy of Beinecke Flickr Laboratory via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Marie, the Cypriot Instagram editor of Empoword Journalism✨ Currently a teacher but silently crying about my PhD about ‘British Morals and their Impact on Societal Censorship in Arts!

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