Notes on The Well Educated Mind Chapter Three
“Once a day . . . call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge.”
Adult responsibilities can interfere with serious reading. To help organize and retain serious reading, use a journal or commonplace book. Traditional commonplace books were often nothing more than collections of quotations or snippets, and did not contain the owner's thoughts on the material.
- Jot down facts and quotations
- Summarize in your own words
- Evaluate through reflection and personal thought.
“The goal of classical self-education is this: not merely to “stuff” facts into your head, but to understand them.”
Summary
A journal or commonplace book for self learning is not the same as reflection or dream journal. Instead, it is notes, facts, quotes, summaries, and commentary on reading and reflection about that reading. Step Three of the program is to practice taking notes as you read.