A Notebook to Save You from Infinite Scrolling & Boredom

Summary

In this video, Parker Settica, a philosopher, introduces the concept of a 'contempla'—a pocket notebook for deep reflection to combat boredom. He argues that boredom can be a catalyst for self-knowledge and idea development, encouraging viewers to embrace it by scheduling 'boredom walks'. Parker shares his personal contempla, filled with philosophical ideas and historical insights, and offers suggestions on different notebook brands to start one's own contemplative journey. The video aims to inspire intentional reflection over mindless scrolling, transforming boredom into a tool for intellectual growth.

Takeaways

• 📓 The speaker introduces the concept of using a 'contempla' or pocket notebook to combat boredom and foster deep thinking instead of resorting to mindless scrolling on a phone.
• 🧘 Boredom can be a useful tool for self-knowledge and developing one's own ideas, and the speaker recommends scheduling it into one's day for introspection and idea generation.
• 🚶 Going for a walk without a phone can help facilitate a stream of consciousness, allowing for natural and unforced contemplation about life and personal beliefs.
• 🗒️ The speaker uses a Field Notes memo book as a practical tool for jotting down ideas, emphasizing the importance of having a physical notebook for capturing thoughts on the go.
• 🎓 The 'contempla' is a Latin term used to add a layer of seriousness and motivation to the practice of keeping a pocket notebook for contemplation.
• 🤔 The speaker discusses the importance of distinguishing between different types of notebooks, such as commonplace books and compendiums, and how the 'contempla' fits in between these categories.
• 📚 The 'contempla' is used to collect and organize ideas, thoughts, and concepts that the speaker finds meaningful and worth reflecting on, rather than just quotes.
• 💡 The speaker shares personal entries from his 'contempla', including thoughts on philosophy, the history of AI, and theological concepts, to illustrate how the notebook can be used.
• 🛍️ The video includes recommendations for different types of pocket notebooks and brands, along with discount offers for the audience to start their own 'contempla'.
• 📝 The practice of abstracting ideas from various sources like books, articles, and podcasts, and writing them down in the 'contempla' is encouraged as a method to engage with content deeply.
• 📈 The speaker's ultimate goal is to transition from compulsive phone usage during moments of boredom to intentional reflection on valuable ideas, using the 'contempla' as a tool for this shift in habit.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the video 'Park Notes' by Parker Settecase?

The main idea of the video is to introduce the concept of using a pocket notebook for contemplation, or 'contemplation', as a tool to replace bad habits brought on by boredom with positive ones, such as deep thinking and self-reflection.

Why does Parker suggest that boredom can be a helpful tool for self-knowledge?

Parker suggests that boredom can be a helpful tool for self-knowledge because it can lead to deep thinking about one's beliefs, desires, and actions, allowing for a better understanding of who you are and why you think and act in certain ways.

What is the term 'contemplation' used to describe in the video?

In the video, 'contemplation' is used to describe the act of reflecting on deep ideas and philosophical concepts, as opposed to mindlessly scrolling through a phone, which is a common habit when bored.

Why does Parker recommend scheduling boredom into one's day?

Parker recommends scheduling boredom into one's day to allow for uninterrupted thinking and the development of one's own ideas, as well as to foster self-knowledge through introspection.

What are some examples of items Parker keeps in his pocket notebook for contemplation?

Examples of items Parker keeps in his pocket notebook include philosophical ideas about Pythagoreanism and Stoicism, thoughts on the history of artificial intelligence, and considerations of personal identity and the self.

How does Parker use the term 'contemplation' in relation to his Latin usage?

Parker uses the term 'contemplation' in Latin to add a sense of formality and to motivate himself to take the practice more seriously, as he feels a connection to the use of Latin by his favorite philosophers and theologians.

What are some of the pocket notebook brands that Parker recommends in the video?

Parker recommends several pocket notebook brands, including Midori MD notebooks, Field Notes wallets with memo books, Moleskine notebooks, and Stalogy grid notebooks.

How does Parker describe the difference between a commonplace book and a compendium?

A commonplace book is typically a collection of quotes and personal reflections on those quotes, while a compendium is a collection of detailed information on a particular topic, presented systematically and comprehensively for others.

What is the purpose of Parker's 'contemplation' notebook in relation to his digital habits?

The purpose of Parker's 'contemplation' notebook is to provide a meaningful alternative to the habit of compulsively checking phone alerts and scrolling through social media, by encouraging intentional reflection on important ideas.

How does Parker suggest using the 'contemplation' notebook to combat boredom?

Parker suggests using the 'contemplation' notebook to combat boredom by pulling it out and reflecting on the ideas and concepts it contains, rather than resorting to shallow amusements like scrolling through a phone.

What is the significance of Parker's mention of the history of artificial intelligence in the video?

The significance of Parker's mention of the history of artificial intelligence is to illustrate an example of a deep idea that he chooses to contemplate when he's bored, as a way to engage his mind in meaningful thought rather than idle distractions.