Commonplace

Commonplace

A commonplace is a concept that has been used in various contexts, often referring to a place or medium where ideas, quotations, and knowledge are collected and shared. Historically, commonplace books were used by scholars, writers, and thinkers to compile knowledge and insights from various sources. This practice has evolved over time, influencing modern methods of information organization and sharing.

Historical Background

The tradition of keeping a commonplace book dates back to the Renaissance period, when scholars would transcribe passages from their readings into a personal notebook. These books served as a repository of knowledge, allowing individuals to reflect on and synthesize information from diverse sources. The practice was particularly popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Renaissance and Enlightenment

During the Renaissance, the revival of classical learning and the invention of the printing press made books more accessible. Scholars like Erasmus and John Locke advocated for the use of commonplace books as a means of organizing knowledge. Locke, in particular, developed a method for indexing commonplace books, which he described in his work "A New Method of Making Common-Place Books."

19th and 20th Centuries

In the 19th century, the use of commonplace books began to decline with the advent of new technologies and educational methods. However, the concept persisted in different forms, such as scrapbooks and personal journals. In the 20th century, the idea of a commonplace was adapted to digital formats, influencing the development of wikis and other collaborative platforms.

Modern Usage

Today, the concept of a commonplace has been transformed by digital technology. Online platforms and tools allow individuals to collect, organize, and share information more efficiently than ever before. Websites like Wikipedia can be seen as a modern form of a commonplace, where knowledge is collaboratively compiled and curated.

Digital Commonplaces

Digital tools such as Evernote, Notion, and Microsoft OneNote serve as modern commonplace books, enabling users to gather and organize information from various sources. These platforms offer features like tagging, searching, and linking, which enhance the traditional practice of commonplacing.

Significance in Education

In educational settings, the practice of keeping a commonplace book can help students develop critical thinking and synthesis skills. By actively engaging with texts and recording their thoughts, students can deepen their understanding of complex subjects. This method encourages active learning and reflection, which are essential components of effective education.

See Also

• Notebook
• Journal
• Knowledge management
• Information literacy

References

• John Locke, "A New Method of Making Common-Place Books"
• Erasmus, "De Copia"

External Links

• John Locke's works on Project Gutenberg
• Erasmus' De Copia at the British Library