What is a Commonbook?
A commonbook, sometimes known as a commonplace book, is a personal collection of knowledge, ideas, quotes, and reflections. Some people call commonbooks “second brains,” but I don’t like that term. One brain is enough for me!
Why keep a commonbook?
Section titled “Why keep a commonbook?”Keeping a commonbook helps you:
- Organize your thoughts and ideas in one place.
- Reflect on what you’ve learned from reading and experiences.
- Make connections between different pieces of information.
- Preserve knowledge for future reference.
Are common books digital or physical?
Section titled “Are common books digital or physical?”They can be both! In fact, I maintain a physical commonbook alongside this digital version. I write down notes, quotes, and reflections by hand on 3x5 index cards, which I then organize in a box. Each week on Sunday, I transfer the physical notes into an Obsidian vault, which powers this website.
Is this the same thing as “Zettelkasten”?
Section titled “Is this the same thing as “Zettelkasten”?”Zettelkasten is a specific method of note-taking and knowledge management developed by the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. Typically, Zettelkasten involves creating small, atomic notes, each containing a single idea or piece of information, and linking them together to form a web of knowledge. This is close to what I do, but I don’t strictly follow the Zettelkasten method. I tend to play it more by ear.