”Writing is thinking on paper.” — William Zinsser

A Thoughtful Gift

I have a fountain pen. My fiancé (girlfriend at the time) bought it for me for my birthday. It was an unusual gift for me for a few reasons. First, my handwriting is terrible—truly atrocious. I joke that I have a doctorate in handwriting because mine is worse than a doctor’s. Sometimes, I look at my own writing and think, “Hmm. That could be something useful,” only to realize I have no idea what it says. Occasionally, when I slow down, I can write clearly—if only briefly.

Second, I love technology, especially high-tech gadgets. A machine-titanium pen? Awesome. A magnetically rotating mechanical pencil? Yes, please. So, in a world filled with cutting-edge innovations, a traditional fountain pen might seem out of place. Yet, it was something I had asked for and something I genuinely appreciate. In many ways, this blend of technology and tradition mirrors the practical choices I make in my daily life.

The Challenge of Writing

Writing can be difficult. I struggle to slow down and be intentional about both what I write and how I write it. I’m not trying to make my handwriting an art form; it’s just writing. But using a fountain pen forces me to pause and consider my strokes, even if I’m not aiming for perfect calligraphy. The process encourages me to organize my thoughts more clearly.

Beyond aesthetics, there is a practical benefit to writing by hand. It slows me down and helps me process my ideas deliberately. In a world dominated by digital shortcuts, the simple act of writing something down offers a useful counterbalance to rapid communication and scattered thoughts.

The Tools: Pen, Inks, and Paper

The pen I use is a Lamy Safari—a reliable, no-frills instrument that fits comfortably into my daily routine. It isn’t a luxury fountain pen, but it gets the job done. It originally took cartridges, but I fitted it with a refillable converter to switch between two inks: standard black for everyday notes and a purple one (Diamine Amazing Amethyst) – for when I want a touch of distinction, especially for letters (which pretty much exclusively go to one person). Physical letters, after all, can be a delight in this digital age.

I only have these two inks, though I’d love to expand my collection someday. Each serves a purpose, and while I’d love more, I don’t need them yet. It’s not about embellishment for its own sake; it’s about using the right tool for the moment.

A Nod to Digital Minimalism

Recently, I watched a video by Peter McKinnon in which he detailed how he tracked his habits for 300 days by writing them down in not one, but two notebooks. He also discussed his collection of pens. Even in this era of digital minimalism, there is something appealing about the physicality of a pen and a notebook. Despite the convenience of digital tools, many are rediscovering the practicality of putting pen to paper.

This isn’t just nostalgia. There’s genuine value in a distraction-free way to capture ideas. Digital devices, while efficient, come with a barrage of notifications and clutter. A notebook offers a straightforward way to record thoughts without those complications. Another thing that I’ve been using more recently is my kindle. It’s books. Just books. Nothing else.

The Notebook: A Double-Edged Sword

I also really like notebooks. There’s something both intimidating and promising about a blank page. It’s full of possibilities, yet it feels like it could be marred by whatever I jot down. I have a shelf of blank notebooks—a reminder of all the ideas I’ve yet to capture. Thankfully, it’s not just a shelf of unused potential anymore; I’m starting to use them as I learn to take notes properly.

I want to learn how to draw and sketch as well, though that remains a secondary goal to my primary focus on writing and note-taking. When was the last time you finished a notebook? I’ve gotten better at starting them, but I’m still terrible at finishing them. And when was the last time you finished a pen? I’ve managed to finish my fountain pen a few times now, and each time feels like a small victory.

Structuring My Note-Taking System

My current system involves two notebooks. The larger one, approximately A4 in size, is reserved for structured notes, such as class material, project details, and formal brainstorming sessions. The smaller notebook, around A5, is my go-to for quick scribbles and fleeting ideas. This division helps keep my thoughts organized, even if the system isn’t perfect.

This year, as I search for a job while studying cybersecurity and digital forensics (with an eye toward CHFI certification), I know my note-taking system will need to evolve. The A4 notebook that houses structured notes might soon need to accommodate more technical details or new methods of organizing study material. I’m considering adjustments like developing an indexing method or a cross-referencing system to ensure every piece of information remains accessible when needed. Even if my current method isn’t perfect, it’s a practical starting point.

Balancing Technology and Tangibility

Despite my love for technology, my fountain pen remains an effective tool. It might seem contradictory, but the contrast between high-tech gadgets and the simplicity of a fountain pen underscores an important point: each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. In many situations, physically writing something down proves more effective than typing it on a device.

Digital tools offer speed and convenience but also bring distractions, lost data, and cluttered interfaces. A notebook, on the other hand, is straightforward. It’s a single-focus tool where I can record my thoughts without the risk of technical failures or digital interruptions. This isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using the right tool for the task at hand.

The Unintended Consequences of Digital Convenience

In our increasingly automated world, we offload much of our thinking to digital devices. Our calendars, reminders, and even our phone numbers are stored on them. We rely on voice assistants to manage daily tasks and apps to coordinate our schedules. Even creative tasks, like drafting a poem or composing an email, can now be handled by AI.

This reliance on digital convenience, while useful, comes at a cost. The more we depend on technology to manage our thoughts, the less we exercise our own cognitive abilities. Often we find ourselves forgetting little things (when was that appointment again?). Or where was I on that day? And we check our phones, and they remind us. Sometimes. It builds into a: I didn’t put it on my calendar, so I completely forgot about it. That’s not an insult of any kinda to the naturally more scatter-brained people out there, merely a consideration that as we rely on digital tools to replace our brains, we still need our brains.

The key takeaway is not to reject digital tools outright but to maintain a balance. While digital solutions are invaluable in many contexts, periodically engaging in analog activities helps keep our mental faculties sharp.

Concluding Thoughts

My fountain pen and notebooks are, at their core, practical tools. They aren’t relics of a bygone era or objects of aesthetic obsession. They serve a straightforward purpose: to record information efficiently and reliably. Whether I’m capturing a fleeting idea, taking notes during a lecture, organizing complex project details as I work toward CHFI certification, or even sitting in a meeting at work, these tools are integral to my workflow.

And I’m not opposed to using my laptop, or ipad, or my phone to take notes. They still hold a place. But that’s it. It’s a place. They don’t have a stranglehold over my life. They’re tools, to be used in a certain way. But I get to choose how I use them. 

I may struggle with my handwriting or feel intimidated by the blank page at times, but that’s part of the process. Each finished pen and every completed notebook, no matter how imperfect, marks a small victory. My current system is far from perfect, and I know it will need adjustments as my academic and professional responsibilities evolve.

Ultimately, writing is just writing. It’s a method for organizing thoughts, processing information, and ensuring that important ideas aren’t lost in the digital shuffle. And sometimes, stepping back, picking up a pen, and letting thoughts flow onto paper is exactly what we need.