personal recipe book
Ever come across a line in a book or podcast that hits you like the smell of fresh garlic in hot oil?
You pause. Reread it. Feel something shift.
That’s an ingredient.
And your commonplace book? That’s your recipe book for thought.
your signature dish
It’s where you gather the things that feed you — quotes, concepts, questions, fragments — and slowly build your own signature dish of ideas.
Some entries are rich and heavy, like slow-cooked wisdom from centuries ago.
Others are spicy — sharp opinions or provocative perspectives.
Sometimes, it’s just a pinch of something you don’t fully understand yet, but know you’ll need later.
an intellectual pantry
📖 A commonplace book isn’t about being clever or tidy. It’s about taste.
What you’re drawn to. What you keep returning to. What sticks to your ribs.
Over time, it becomes a kind of intellectual pantry.
When you’re stuck? You go back and stir the pot.
When you’re writing, creating, reflecting? You open it up and see what flavors you’ve got.
Because your best ideas don’t come from nowhere — they come from what you’ve simmered.
So collect generously. Season often. And never underestimate the power of a well-timed quote.
Your mind’s favorite meal might be waiting in the next page.
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