Summary of A Notebook to Save You from Infinite Scrolling & Boredom

Summary

In the video "A Notebook to Save You from Infinite Scrolling & Boredom," Parker Setticase discusses how to utilize boredom as a tool for self-reflection and deep thinking, advocating for the use of a pocket notebook, termed a "contempla," to capture thoughts and ideas instead of succumbing to distractions like social media.

Key Lifestyle Tips:

Embrace Boredom: Boredom can lead to self-knowledge and deep thinking. Schedule time for boredom in your day.
Reflective Walks: Go for walks without your phone to let your mind wander and contemplate life.
Pocket Notebook: Carry a pocket notebook to jot down thoughts, ideas, and reflections instead of scrolling on your phone.

Steps to Master Boredom:

Schedule Boredom: Intentionally set aside time to be bored.
Reflect: Use this time to think about your beliefs, desires, and actions.
Write Ideas Down: After your contemplative time, write down your thoughts in your pocket notebook.

Notebook Suggestions:

Field Notes Wallets: Useful for carrying memo books and jotting down ideas.
Midori MD Notebook: A recommended pocket-sized notebook.
Moleskine Notebooks: Popular for their design, though may not be ideal for fountain pens due to bleed-through.
Stalogy Notebooks: Known for their thick paper and grid format, suitable for deep thinking.

Notable Concepts:

commonplace books vs. Compendiums: A commonplace book collects quotes and ideas, while a compendium is a systematic collection of detailed information. The "contempla" serves as a blend of both.
Philosophical Reflections: Parker shares personal reflections on various philosophical ideas, including Pythagoreanism, stoicism, and the history of artificial intelligence.

Notable Locations and Products:

Field Notes: Offers a variety of memo books and wallets with a discount code available.
Midori: Known for their high-quality notebooks.
Moleskine: A classic choice for note-taking.
Stalogy: Recommended for those seeking thick paper notebooks.

Parker encourages viewers to create their own pocket notebooks for contemplation and engage in deeper thinking instead of mindless scrolling.

Notable Quotes

— 00:00 — « A bored man is a dangerous man. »

— 07:06 — « Going from compulsively scrolling to intentionally reflecting on ideas that you find worthwhile is a huge swing. »

— 07:12 — « I'm bored, but I'm not going to go to some shallow amusement; instead, I'm going to think. »

— 09:00 — « If that's the case, then I think Pythagoreanism should be preferred over Stoicism. »

— 11:28 — « Artificial intelligence was coined by John McCarthy at the Dartmouth workshop on AI. »