How to keep a commonplace book

The commonplace book: A timeless tradition of learning and reflection

A commonplace book is a personal repository for knowledge, reflections, and ideas. The term "commonplace" comes from the Latin locus communis, which translates to "a general or shared topic." In essence, a commonplace book is a collection of quotes, observations, thoughts, and knowledge that resonates with the individual keeping it. It can take the form of a journal, a notebook, or a digital record where the keeper collects information they find meaningful, be it passages from books, notes from lectures, or original insights.

What is a commonplace book?

A commonplace book is not just a diary, where one records the day’s events or personal feelings. Instead, it is a tool for intellectual development, a place where people document ideas worth preserving for future reflection or application. While it may seem like a random assortment of content, the materials in a commonplace book are deeply personal and often reflect the individual's intellectual pursuits, interests, and philosophical inquiries.

Historically, these collections were tools for learning and reference. People would transcribe notable excerpts from literature, theology, or science, annotate these passages with their own interpretations, and create connections between different fields of knowledge. The practice dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where scholars used them as a way to catalog knowledge for later use. During the Renaissance and Enlightenment, commonplace books became popular among thinkers, writers, and intellectuals, as a method for managing the vast amounts of knowledge they were exposed to.



The benefits of keeping a commonplace book

The benefits of maintaining a commonplace book are extensive, as it fosters learning, creativity, and personal growth.

Organizing knowledge

A commonplace book helps us organize information from diverse areas of life. Instead of losing track of valuable insights, these are captured and saved for later reference. In a world overflowing with information, it provides a structure for managing knowledge.

Encouraging critical thinking

The act of selecting what to include in a commonplace book encourages thoughtful reflection. By recording something, we inherently analyze its worth and its relevance to our lives, which deepens our engagement with the material. Additionally, writing down thoughts on a passage allows for greater clarity and understanding.

Fostering creativity

Collecting ideas from various sources often leads to new connections and creative breakthroughs. By revisiting and reflecting on the diverse thoughts housed within a commonplace book, individuals can inspire themselves to see things in new ways or come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Personalized learning

A commonplace book tailors the learning process to individual interests. Whether someone is an artist, scientist, or philosopher, the book becomes a personal resource for accumulating knowledge that aligns with their intellectual goals. It’s a custom-made guide to learning, drawn from the individual's chosen sources.

Deepening memory retention

Writing things down improves memory. Studies show that physically recording ideas makes us more likely to remember them. In an era where information is easily accessible but quickly forgotten, the act of writing in a commonplace book ensures important knowledge is retained and accessible when needed.

Providing a resource for future reference

Over time, a commonplace book becomes a treasure trove of information. Revisiting past entries allows the keeper to reflect on their intellectual journey and apply previous learnings to current endeavors. Many notable figures throughout history have referred back to their commonplace books for inspiration and guidance.

What to write in a commonplace book?

A commonplace book can contain a vast array of content, limited only by the interests of its keeper. Here are some ideas for what might be included:

Quotes from books, speeches, or lectures
Passages that resonate, inspire, or challenge your worldview.

Personal reflections and observations
Insights gained from everyday experiences, conversations, or moments of contemplation.

Philosophical musings
Record thoughts on ethical dilemmas, questions about existence, or reflections on life's meaning.

Scientific or mathematical ideas
Formulas, theories, or principles that you find intriguing or applicable.

Literary criticism or book summaries
Notes on books you’ve read, with analysis or questions that the text raises.

Poetry and prose
Not only quotes from famous works, but also your own creative writings, whether fully formed or in rough draft.

Recipes, maxims, or proverbs
Pieces of wisdom passed down through culture or family, worth remembering and practicing.

Drawings or sketches
For artists, a commonplace book may include visual representation of ideas.

Ideas for future projects
A place to brainstorm and develop potential creative, scientific, or business ventures.

Prayers and religious reflections
Meditations on faith, prayers, and spiritual insights for those who wish to explore religious themes.

Dreams and aspirations
Record your goals, dreams, or plans for self-improvement.



Famous figures who kept commonplace books

Over the centuries, many influential figures - writers, thinkers, scientists, and even saints - have kept commonplace books as tools for organizing their thoughts, inspiring creativity, and tracking intellectual development. Here are some of the most notable examples:

John Locke (1632-1704)
The English philosopher and physician, regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, wrote a book titled A New Method of Making Common-Place Books in 1706, instructing readers on how to categorize their entries by topics, making it easier to retrieve information. His work helped popularize the method among scholars.

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)
Woolf kept extensive notes, reflections, and passages from other writers in her commonplace books. These books were foundational in shaping her literary style and ideas, especially her experimentation with stream-of-consciousness narrative techniques.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was known for his extensive commonplace book. In it, he kept political, philosophical, and literary passages that inspired his ideas on governance, democracy, and human rights. It was a vital resource for him as he drafted key documents like the Declaration of Independence.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD)
The Roman emperor and philosopher wrote Meditations, which many consider to be his version of a commonplace book. Though primarily a series of personal writings, Meditations reflects the Stoic philosophy and serves as a guide for personal ethics, leadership, and self-discipline.

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)
Augustine’s works, especially Confessions, are filled with quotes and reflections drawn from Scripture, classical philosophy, and personal introspection, marking an early form of the commonplace tradition in Christian thought.

Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)
The German-born philosopher kept a commonplace book filled with quotations and her own reflections. It served as a tool for Arendt to engage with ideas she explored in her works, including her examination of totalitarianism and human rights.

Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)
The author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Carroll used commonplace books to jot down ideas, problems, and puzzles, particularly related to his mathematical interests and literary experiments.

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Aquinas, one of the most influential Catholic philosophers and theologians, kept notebooks that compiled insights from both religious and classical sources. These served as important references in his theological writings, including Summa Theologica.

Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
The philosopher and statesman used commonplace books as a method for systematically collecting and categorizing knowledge. His works were influential in shaping the early development of the scientific method.

Conclusion

The commonplace book is a tradition that has transcended centuries, benefiting thinkers and creators across many fields. From philosophers like John Locke and Francis Bacon to artists like Virginia Woolf and Lewis Carroll, the practice of keeping a commonplace book fosters intellectual growth, creativity, and the preservation of knowledge. Its versatility allows individuals to mold it into a personal and unique tool for capturing ideas, dreams, and insights. Whether for organizing scientific observations, reflecting on philosophical concepts, or collecting inspiring literary passages, the commonplace book is a timeless practice that enhances personal learning and creativity.