Commonplace Books
In days gone by students would focus their attention on not only the great thoughts of the world that stretches back in history, but they would ensure they captured those thoughts they most wished to remember in a unique way through a commonplace book.
What is it?
A commonplace book is a way to compile and catalog information and knowledge – thing proverbs, adages, quotes, maxims, formulas, prayers, recipes, questions, etc. It is the practice the ancient Greeks used (hypomnemata) to cultivate or nurture those things that are above oneself.
Using commonplace books encourages and allows a student to take the complete responsibility for their own longer-term education – to record those things they truly wish to remember later in life.
How?
To start this practice, get a nice book – perhaps a leather bound one or something that will last. From there, choose some topics or categories. I would suggest things such as:
· Biblical knowledge and lessons
· Thoughts on virtues
· Questions
· Literature
· History
· Science
You may add more or less – I tried to capture a wide range.
Then, start collecting information. As you read books, study Scripture, or listen to talks, have your commonplace book nearby and write down the quotes, ideas, interesting facts, draw pictures, etc. In short, collect the information and make it your own. Add some personalization to it so you can truly engage the material and remember why you wanted to remember it in the first place!
From there, make it a normal practice and update your commonplace book and review it – see if you need to revisit things that were impactful to you.
Finally, this is something to encourage in your students and children. Have them start their own commonplace books. They are learning so much – information is coming at us faster than in most of history. It is easy to forget with all the information coming our way and the commonplace book is an opportunity to slow down and ensure we remember the great and important things we learn. Model this for your children so they see how you interact with all the information
Here is one of my favorite quotes to get you started – and is in my commonplace book. It comes from Winston Churchill:
“One of the signs of a great society is the diligence with which it passes culture from one generation to the next. This culture is the embodiment of everything the people of that society hold dear…”