Aaahh, this makes me nervous! I know you're right, but I'm SO used to doing things digitally.... maybe I'll compromise with digital highlights (on eReader) and handwritten notes...
It does work, but I have the same problem you outlined in the beginning — too many notes leads to overwhelm/a reluctance to actually sort back through them. So maybe I'll give this shot!
Beautiful write-up. I believe analogue note-taking also helps organize our life in a unique way, as well as embracing imperfections that make us all special in our way.
Loved this post! I went analogue a few years back and I do believe it has not only improved my writing and notetaking skills, but also my memory. I tend to remember what I've read so much better when I take notes this way than digitally.
Great article. I've been thinking I should start some sort of filing system to organize important quotes/themes/thoughts from my reading. So much falls out of my brain otherwise!
I like your idea of several books for each general topic. Do you use an index within each notebook?
Great article! I have a similar system using Readwise. Is a system to capture your highlights and set daily reminders of what I’ve highlighted in the past: what I like about your system is the reflection section. I guess in Readwise I could add comments of my highlights and add a reflection on them
What I like about your system is that is analog, promotes self reflection. The advantage of using Readwise is that over the years you can curate or sort your highlights
I read an article on substack about note taking and it’s transformed how I keep my written notes.
There is something that happens when we write our own notes to do with commitment and ownership that I don’t think digital note taking offers. I love to read my notes like a book and I’d never do that work word documents or notion or whatever.
I follow an indexing format for other works but it is easier as the themes are restricted, for example, in a research project. I do want to see how other people handle their indexing when you have multiple random entries in a page. I guess I wanted to see examples of how to allocate space or indicate keywords on the page itself (some common mistakes and efficient ways to overcome pitfalls).
Slowing down and taking notes manually. Yes. I have also been experimenting with visual note-taking and audio-recording with transcription. I read and listen to my notes, it's iterative. A recorder, not a phone ;) A linguist's bias towards technology.
I love this, Sam. And neuroscience backs this up. We retain and synthesise much better when we deliberately slow down, and the act of writing allows for deeper retention. I used to do handwritten notes when i was studying for my master’s and psychology, and I realised when I took time to think about it, paraphrase, and draw diagrams, I was engaging with the subject so much better. Somewhere along the line, I switched to digital. I’ve got them on Google Sheets and Google Docs…and you’re right, I’ve never looked at time. They are scattered and disorganised… You’ve inspired me to pick up a notebook with the readings. Thank you for sharing.
This is a short yet great article. It did took me about two hours to read it completely (i sound a bit crazy, but it is true) and this wasn't because I cannot read it in 10 mins. I like to write notes on every (mostly) article I read in order to avoid overconsumption, but also to note ideas. And in this process, I get distracted (in good ways) with my own thoughts, ideas or question that I wouldn't sit with or think about on a normal day. So thank you for this great article!!!
Love this! I’ve been trying to figure out a good way to pull all the golden nuggets out of the recent books I’ve read (that won’t take an eternity) and I definitely want to try this system. I’m already a huge fan of note-taking so this just makes sense!
This is a great way to justify my journal obsession 😁
Love this Sam. Simple systems work best.
They really do!
I absolutely loved this piece, I have been wanting to take more notes when reading and wasn't too sure where to start!
So happy it was helpful! Thanks Chloe :)
Aaahh, this makes me nervous! I know you're right, but I'm SO used to doing things digitally.... maybe I'll compromise with digital highlights (on eReader) and handwritten notes...
No need to fix your note taking strategy if it’s already working for you! This is just one of many unique approaches :)
It does work, but I have the same problem you outlined in the beginning — too many notes leads to overwhelm/a reluctance to actually sort back through them. So maybe I'll give this shot!
Ohh gotcha - well let me know how it goes!
Beautiful write-up. I believe analogue note-taking also helps organize our life in a unique way, as well as embracing imperfections that make us all special in our way.
Thanks for this post.
Loved this post! I went analogue a few years back and I do believe it has not only improved my writing and notetaking skills, but also my memory. I tend to remember what I've read so much better when I take notes this way than digitally.
Parknotes on youtube is a great inspiration!
Great article. I've been thinking I should start some sort of filing system to organize important quotes/themes/thoughts from my reading. So much falls out of my brain otherwise!
I like your idea of several books for each general topic. Do you use an index within each notebook?
Great article! I have a similar system using Readwise. Is a system to capture your highlights and set daily reminders of what I’ve highlighted in the past: what I like about your system is the reflection section. I guess in Readwise I could add comments of my highlights and add a reflection on them
What I like about your system is that is analog, promotes self reflection. The advantage of using Readwise is that over the years you can curate or sort your highlights
I read an article on substack about note taking and it’s transformed how I keep my written notes.
There is something that happens when we write our own notes to do with commitment and ownership that I don’t think digital note taking offers. I love to read my notes like a book and I’d never do that work word documents or notion or whatever.
My challenge is indexing for the commonplace book!
I’m no authority on this, but wouldn’t adding items to an index as you add content to the commonplace book work? I see YT’ers say this.
I follow an indexing format for other works but it is easier as the themes are restricted, for example, in a research project. I do want to see how other people handle their indexing when you have multiple random entries in a page. I guess I wanted to see examples of how to allocate space or indicate keywords on the page itself (some common mistakes and efficient ways to overcome pitfalls).
Slowing down and taking notes manually. Yes. I have also been experimenting with visual note-taking and audio-recording with transcription. I read and listen to my notes, it's iterative. A recorder, not a phone ;) A linguist's bias towards technology.
Omg I love this! Notes are… almost half the fun lol and it’s so amazing to find another like mind. Thank you for this piece!
I love this, Sam. And neuroscience backs this up. We retain and synthesise much better when we deliberately slow down, and the act of writing allows for deeper retention. I used to do handwritten notes when i was studying for my master’s and psychology, and I realised when I took time to think about it, paraphrase, and draw diagrams, I was engaging with the subject so much better. Somewhere along the line, I switched to digital. I’ve got them on Google Sheets and Google Docs…and you’re right, I’ve never looked at time. They are scattered and disorganised… You’ve inspired me to pick up a notebook with the readings. Thank you for sharing.
This is a short yet great article. It did took me about two hours to read it completely (i sound a bit crazy, but it is true) and this wasn't because I cannot read it in 10 mins. I like to write notes on every (mostly) article I read in order to avoid overconsumption, but also to note ideas. And in this process, I get distracted (in good ways) with my own thoughts, ideas or question that I wouldn't sit with or think about on a normal day. So thank you for this great article!!!
Love this! I’ve been trying to figure out a good way to pull all the golden nuggets out of the recent books I’ve read (that won’t take an eternity) and I definitely want to try this system. I’m already a huge fan of note-taking so this just makes sense!
I’m getting an e-reader to annotate by hand, but still be able to process my highlights into Readwise.