From NotesaboutNotes.com:
In the 18th and 19th centuries, readers habitually copied out passages they wished to remember in a personal journal orcommonplace book. The custom had the advantage of calling the reader's attention into intimate contact with those passages that appealed to them most intensely. By copying passages longhand, the reader gains time to reflect both on the meaning and the construction of their favorite works.
And, having copied the passages, you'll always have your copy. Though photocopiers and scanners mean we can easily make exact copies at trifling cost, copying striking passages can remain a valuable exercise and a rewarding activity. A collection of selected passages makes a wonderful intellectual portrait.
