Key insights

• 📚 Commonplace book is for collecting thoughts about books and media, not for long-form reflective writing or note-taking systems
• 💡 The real value of a commonplace book lies in reviewing the collected ideas
• 📒 Recommended A5 size notebook for portability and sufficient space
• 🔍 Consider the binding, paper type, and grid structure when choosing a book
• 🖋️ Toothier paper works well with mechanical pencils and fountain pens
• 🔳 Dot grids provide structure and flexibility for organization
• 🖌️ Using brush pens for convenience and thicker lines without bleed, testing paper samples at a store
• 📝 Taking detailed notes on 'Gender Trouble' by Judith Butler, adding personal thoughts and interpretations

Q&A

• Should I stress about note-taking systems when using a commonplace book?

  No, there's no need to worry about complex note-taking systems. Just start writing in your commonplace book. It's a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.

• How are notes organized in a commonplace book?

  The organization includes taking notes in cursive for personal thoughts and quotes, setting up different sections in a commonplace book for book notes and collected quotes, and using bookmarks to mark sections in the commonplace book. The organization allows flexibility based on personal preference.

• How are notes taken on the book 'Gender Trouble' by Judith Butler?

  The process involves taking detailed notes on 'Gender Trouble' by Judith Butler, writing quotes from the book by hand, and adding personal thoughts and interpretations to the notes. It also includes using a combination of cursive and block letters for note-taking.

• What is the discussion about using brush pens and fountain pens for note-taking?

  The discussion covers using brush pens for convenience and thicker lines without bleed, the importance of good paper, and different styles of using a commonplace book for note organization. It also emphasizes using a fountain pen for setting up a notebook and the distinction between full book notes and collecting quotes.

• What factors should be considered when choosing a book for a commonplace book?

  When choosing a book for a commonplace book, it's important to consider the binding, paper type, and grid structure. Toothier paper works well with mechanical pencils and fountain pens, while dot grids provide structure and flexibility. Additionally, bleed and quick drying are important factors for fountain pen users.

• What is a commonplace book?

  A commonplace book is a place for collecting thoughts about books and media, not for long-form reflective writing or note-taking systems like Rome or Obsidian. The real value of a commonplace book lies in reviewing the collected ideas. It is recommended to use an A5 size notebook for portability and sufficient space.

• 00:00 Introducing the concept of a commonplace book as a way to collect thoughts about books and media, not for long-form reflective writing or note-taking systems. The real value lies in reviewing it. A recommended A5 size notebook for portability and enough space.
• 02:15 When choosing a book, consider the binding, paper type, and grid structure. Toothier paper works well with mechanical pencils and fountain pens. Dot grids provide structure and flexibility. Bleed and quick drying are important for fountain pen users.
• 04:34 A discussion on using brush pens and fountain pens for note-taking, the importance of good paper, and different styles of using a commonplace book for note organization.
• 06:40 Taking notes on the book 'Gender Trouble' by Judith Butler, including writing quotes by hand and adding personal thoughts.
• 09:04 Taking notes in cursive for personal thoughts and quotes, using different sections in a commonplace book
• 11:17 Don't stress about note-taking systems. Just start writing in your commonplace book. It's a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.