Two Notebooks Every Deep Thinker Should Carry

Summary

In this video, the creator shares insights into the notebooks he uses and how they improve his life. With a background in theology and philosophy, he has spent years refining his notebook system. He explains the three main types of notebooks: for thoughts, experience, and self-mastery. The two essential notebooks he carries are a pocket catch-all for capturing his ideas and a commonplace book or compendium for recording and reflecting on others' wisdom. He also discusses his favorite leather bag for carrying multiple notebooks and offers recommendations for notebook brands and covers.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker has been keeping commonplace books for 10-11 years and started making YouTube videos about them, which gained popularity.
• 🎓 They hold master's degrees in theological studies, systematic theology, and the philosophy of religion, but found that people are more interested in how they study than what they study.
• 📒 The speaker categorizes notebooks into three types: for thoughts (journals, commonplace books), for experience (diaries), and for self-mastery (time block logs, workout logs).
• 📝 They always carry at least two notebooks: a pocket catchall for capturing thoughts and tasks, and either a pocket commonplace book or a compendium.
• 💡 The catchall notebook acts as an extension of their brain, helping them capture tasks, ideas, and goals, which significantly improved their life, including better sleep.
• 📖 The pocket compendium is used to collect abstracted information on subjects they wish to master, like philosophy, artificial intelligence, and theology.
• 📜 The commonplace book is filled with wisdom, aphorisms, and proverbs gathered from books, conversations, and media, used to reflect on instead of mindlessly scrolling.
• 👜 They use a Saddleback leather flight bag to carry multiple notebooks, a laptop, and books when needed, praising its durability and design.
• ✍️ The speaker recommends various notebook brands and leather covers to protect notebooks, highlighting their aesthetic and functional value.
• 🎥 They encourage viewers to try different notebooks based on their needs and provide affiliate discounts for several notebook brands.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to start making YouTube videos about commonplace books?

The speaker had been keeping commonplace books for 10 or 11 years, and in 2023, many people became interested in the topic. This interest led them to start making YouTube videos about commonplace books.

What academic background does the speaker have?

The speaker holds master's degrees in Theological Studies, Systematic Theology, and the Philosophy of Religion.

What types of notebooks does the speaker categorize, and what are their purposes?

The speaker categorizes notebooks into three main types: notebooks for thoughts, notebooks for experience, and notebooks for self-mastery. Notebooks for thoughts include journals, commonplace books, and compendiums; notebooks for experience include diaries and logs of daily events and emotions; and notebooks for self-mastery help track productivity, workouts, or habits.

What is the purpose of the speaker's 'catch-all' notebook, and why is it essential to them?

The 'catch-all' notebook is the speaker's working memory, where they jot down tasks, ideas, and thoughts throughout the day. It's essential because it helps them capture everything they need to remember and has significantly improved their productivity and sleep by preventing them from mentally rehearsing ideas they are afraid to forget.

How does the speaker distinguish between a commonplace book and a compendium?

A commonplace book is used to collect quotes, proverbs, and wise sayings from others, while a compendium is a collection of abstracted information the speaker wants to master, often involving philosophy, artificial intelligence, and other subjects of personal interest.

What are the benefits of keeping a notebook, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that keeping a notebook can help organize thoughts, prevent mental clutter, improve sleep, and enhance productivity. Additionally, notebooks can be a source of learning, self-reflection, and a way to avoid distractions like social media scrolling.

What does the speaker use as an alternative to scrolling through their phone when idle?

Instead of scrolling through their phone, the speaker pulls out their commonplace book or compendium to reflect on ideas and wisdom they have collected, making their downtime more productive and mentally enriching.

How does the speaker transport multiple notebooks and books on a regular basis?

The speaker uses a Saddleback leather flight bag to carry their notebooks, laptop, and books. They appreciate its durability, style, and functionality, and it helps them transport their materials without carrying a large number of items in their pockets.

What is the speaker’s approach to choosing notebook covers, and why are they important?

The speaker prefers to use leather covers for their notebooks because it gives each notebook distinct character and protects them from wear and tear. They find that leather covers help them remember the contents of each notebook more easily.

What advice does the speaker offer for those interested in keeping notebooks?

The speaker advises finding a notebook system that works for individual needs. They suggest keeping a 'catch-all' for thoughts, and potentially adding a commonplace book or compendium for deeper reflection. The speaker also encourages viewers to experiment with different types of notebooks and covers to find what best suits their lifestyle.