I take pens and I write on the inside of my arm. When I'm…
“I take pens and I write on the inside of my arm. When I'm with people and somebody says a really fascinating anecdote, or fact, or phrase, I'll write it on the inside of my arm. At the end of the day, I'll take the very best things that are on my arm and I'll copy them into a notebook that I always carry and only when the weather is absolutely terrible will I really key the very best of that notebook into the computer. At that point, it's all sort of censored twice - only the best things go from the arm to the book and only the best things go from the book to the computer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He records compelling ideas on his arm, then filters them into a notebook, and finally selects only the best for digital storage.
In simple terms: Ideas are captured, filtered, and refined before permanent storage.
Key Takeaway
Capture, curate, and keep only the best.
Themes
creativity
note-taking
personal workflow
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
process
habit
When to use this quote
- brainstorming sessions
- daily reflections
- writing practice
Key Concepts
cognitive filtering
knowledge management
memory aids
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure important ideas aren’t forgotten?
- What criteria decide what moves to the next stage?
A Different Perspective
Physical notes can be lost or damaged.