Paper is good. Somehow, a blank page and a pen makes the universe open up before you. Why paper has this unique power is a mystery to me, but I think we should all stop trying to resist this reality and just accept it.
Also, the world needs way more mundane blogging.
So let me offer a few observations about paper. These all seem quite obvious. But it took me years to find them, and they’ve led me to a non-traditional lifestyle, paper-wise.
** Observation 1: The primary value of paper is to facilitate thinking.**
For a huge percentage of tasks that involve thinking, getting some paper and writing / drawing / scribbling on it makes the task easier. I think most people agree with that. So why don’t we act on it? If paper came as a pill, everyone would take it. Paper, somehow, is underrated.
But note, paper [...]
Outline:
(00:38) Observation 1: The primary value of paper is to facilitate thinking.
(01:23) Observation 2: If you don't have a system, you won't get much benefit from paper.
(02:02) Observation 3: User experience matters.
(02:52) Observation 4: Categorization is hard.
(03:35) Paper systems I've used
First published:
April 11th, 2025
Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/RdHEhPKJG6mp39Agw/paper)
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