How And Why To Keep A Commonplace Book

• Read widely. Read about everything and anything and be open to seeing what you didn't expect to be there - that is how you find the best stuff.
• Mark down what sticks out at you as you read.
• Take notes while you read.
• Wisdom not facts. We're not looking for random pieces of information. Your commonplace book can accumulate a mass of true wisdom - that you can turn to in times of crisis, opportunity, depression or joy.
• Read and approach reading accordingly. A commonplace book is a way to keep our learning priorities in order. It motivates us to look for and keep only the things we can use.
• After you finish a book, put it down for a week or so. Now return to it and review all the material you've saved and transfer it to the commonplace book.
• Write it down. On index cards and label them the theme on them. This allows categorization without source boundaries. There are photoboxes which can be used for organization.