It seems that keeping handwritten notes enhances information retention and memory, aids in developing systematic thinking, and is generally beneficial. However, when I honestly asked myself, “Why do I write by hand?” the answer surprised me. Simply because I enjoy it. I like the process, the tactile sensations, the sounds, the look of the written text. It has almost become an addiction. Sometimes, I find myself eagerly awaiting the moment when I can sit down at my desk, pull out my notebook and pen, and jot down my thoughts, daily events, experiences, ideas, etc.
But it wasn’t always like this.
When I was in university, at the dawn of the digital age, taking handwritten notes during lectures was not just the most accessible, but virtually the only allowed method. I had to write for about 5-6 hours a day, every day, five days a week, for six years. It was hard and unfamiliar in the first year, but then it became a part of everyday life without causing much suffering. It was work that had to be done, no alternative, end of story. There was no pleasure in it, though.
After graduating, I sighed in relief, switched to a laptop keyboard (which by then had become much more affordable and popular), and for over a decade, I only picked up a pen to sign something.
I returned to handwriting only when I started working full-time as a software developer. The main reason was that a paper notebook allowed me to take notes, draw diagrams, or add items to a to-do list without losing screen context. Developers know how difficult it can be to return to the original train of thought if distracted, and switching from the IDE to another program, or even changing an open file, is a sure way to lose focus.
Even then, handwritten notes were more of a necessity than a pleasure. I would have gladly replaced them with a digital alternative, but everything I tried worked worse.
Everything changed about six months ago.
It started when someone recommended keeping a handwritten journal. I decided to give it an honest try. Again. Like many, I had heard about the benefits of journaling and had tried several times but never lasted more than a few days. Half-filled notebooks accumulated in my closet, as more important and interesting tasks pushed journaling to the background. I tried digital journals too, with roughly the same result.
This time started off similarly. I made 2 or 3 entries, each increasingly difficult, and I probably would have given up this time too. But, I got lucky. I ended up in a stationery store. While my wife was picking out a new notebook for shopping lists, I got stuck at the pen display. I had some pen at home for my daily notes, but I thought, since I’m here, why not try something else? I bought about 5 different pens: ballpoint, gel, roller, black, red, and even one fountain pen, and took them all home to try out.
Fountain pens always seemed inconvenient and excessive to me. The maintenance, the cost. I never understood why they still existed. But it turned out that writing with an fountain pen is surprisingly easy (much less pressure needed on paper compared to a ballpoint), the hand gets less tired, and importantly, with minimal effort, you can write really beautifully 🙂
This was the trigger for me. You try – it comes out beautiful. You’re not just writing – you’re “drawing”, illustrating each word. And it might turn out well. Or not. Some words are just more beautiful than others. Sometimes it’s awkward to position your hand at the edge of the page, and it doesn’t turn out great. But when everything aligns just right, you end up with a beautiful handwritten text that’s a pleasure to look at.
This is really oddly satisfying. I suspect that Random Intermittent Reward comes into play here, but Huberman can probably explain that better than me.
That day, I spent more than 3 hours at my desk and wrote over 30 pages. It was almost like a trance or meditation. The sensations were somewhat similar to mindless scrolling through social media, where you don’t realize how many hours have passed. Except, in the end, you don’t feel drained and angry but refreshed and clear-headed. Since then, for several months now, this has been one of my favorite activities. And even if it’s an addiction, compared to everything else you could get hooked on in the modern world, it seems like not the worst option, so, why not give it a scribble?