Pen & Paper

When it comes to note taking I’m a pen and paper guy. Later, I transcribe everything into Obsidian. Here’s why:

My preference for the physical over the digital started when working through my math degree. I spent a lot of time buried in notebooks and at a chalkboard. Studies have shown that physical writing improves the ability to focus and gives time to clarify thought.

I use a fountain pen on high-quality paper, like many things adding a bit of polish to it brings small joy. The rhythm and feel of it help me focus. For several years now I’ve been using a combination of the Traveler notebook from Code&Quill and a TWSBI Swipe pen.

Later in the day I transcribe my notes into Obsidian. The major benefit to this is that I get to revisit my original thoughts with a new perspective, leading to completely different insights than when I first wrote them.