The Read Well Podcast

Host: Eddy Hood
Episode: Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Part 3 of 6) | EP112
Date: September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is the third in a six-part series focused on journaling practices inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Eddy Hood examines the John Locke method of notebook indexing—a system Emerson tried and eventually abandoned—offering practical insights for listeners seeking to better organize and retrieve information from their own analog notebooks. The episode also explores the importance of finding simple, sustainable systems, includes a recommendation of Emerson’s essay "Self-Reliance," and features updates on Eddy's personal journey toward opening a physical bookstore.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Community Updates and Personal Story

[01:10 – 05:25]

• Bookstore Dream: Eddy shares his recent experience launching a Kickstarter to secure a historic house from 1933 as the new home for his online bookstore, Edgewater Bookstore.
  • Quote: "I've always had a dream of turning that into a real brick and mortar location...the perfect location came onto the market." (02:10)
• Kickstarter Success: Over 140 community members helped raise $25,000, and his offer on the building was accepted.
• Vision: The chosen location is a house rather than a commercial space, with Eddy emphasizing the magic of a setting that feels like “wandering through a book” as you move from room to room.

2. Emerson’s Dilemma: Accessing Notes and Knowledge

[05:30 – 07:55]

• Emerson's Challenge: By the end of his life, Emerson had over 263 notebooks yet faced the issue of retrieving specific information.
  • Quote: "He'd amassed 263 of these things, possibly more...but there was a time where he's just looking at these notebooks going, my goodness, there's a lot of really good stuff in here, but I don't know how to find it." (06:05)

3. The Analog vs. Digital Note-Taking Divide

[07:55 – 10:00]

• Eddy’s Approach: Prefers paper notebooks for their ability to "force me to slow down" and be thoughtful, though he uses both digital (like Obsidian) and analog systems.
  • Quote: “My mantra: read slowly, take notes and apply the ideas. I've noticed for me, my brain goes a thousand miles an hour. And if I don't have a sort of a physical system in place...I just run wild.” (08:30)
• Audience: This series is designed for those who prefer analog, topic-specific notebooks.

4. Explaining the John Locke Indexing Method

[10:00 – 25:05]

• Origin: Developed by philosopher John Locke; adopted (and later abandoned) by Emerson due to complexity.
• Index Structure:
  • Divide the front page in half.
  • Create a grid for each letter of the alphabet, with five spaces for vowels (A, E, I, O, U) under each letter.
• How It Works (with a Gardening Example):
  • Identify the keyword on a notebook page (e.g., “dandelion”).
  • Use the first letter D, then the first vowel after it (A), creating the index key D.A.
  • Enter the page number (e.g., 48) into the D.A. box on the front index.
  • To retrieve, use the key to find relevant pages.
  • Quote: “You would open up to your front page index...D box, A vowel box, and you would say, ah, there's something here with the keyword DA that exists on page 48.” (22:35)
• Critique:
  • Eddy finds the method overly complex for real life and not suited for mixed-topic or stream-of-consciousness journals.
  • Quote: “I cannot stand it for so many reasons...I wanted to share it with you today just to again point out the tomfoolery that exists with trying to get creative and trying to overcomplicate something." (24:12)
• Key Insight: Your indexing or note system must be simple enough that you will actually use it; perfectionism and complexity often prevent action.

5. Book Recommendation: Emerson’s "Self-Reliance"

[25:05 – 32:52]

• Reason for Recommendation: Many know of the essay but haven’t read it; it’s foundational for understanding Emerson’s personal philosophy.
• Summary: Emerson argues flourishing ("eudaimonia") comes from self-reliance—not just independence, but listening to and trusting your own insights.
• Notable Quotes & Analysis:
  • Quote from essay: "To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius." (28:30)
    • Eddy's take: Don’t discount your own thoughts; value your own opinions above others for authentic living.
  • Quote from essay: "The power which resides in him is new in nature and none but he knows what that is, which he can do. Nor does he know until he has tried." (30:15)
    • Eddy’s personal story: Reading this inspired him to try pursuing another degree in philosophy, which he found rewarding despite initial hesitation.
    • Quote: “You never know what you can do until you try. And that's one of the core tenets of Emerson's self reliance.” (32:40)

6. Eddy’s Creative Evolution and Community Engagement

[32:52 – End]

• Podcast Update: Eddy missed an episode due to feeling his content needs to evolve with his journey toward building a bookstore.
• Future Plans: Exploring storytelling and vlogging to document the process of creating a bookshop/café, and seeking community input on engaging content formats.
• Call for Feedback: Requests podcast ratings and testimonials to help the podcast reach more people.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "I feel like a bookstore's location is 80% of the wonder that it creates. I didn't want a bookstore in a...strip mall. I wanted it to be a really cool old house." (03:40)
• "Your indexing system must be simple, otherwise you'll never index it." (09:55)
• On frustration with the Locke method: "This is getting mad, but just stick with me..." (19:50)
• "Lots of people still use this system. And I’m not sure why, but good on you if you like it. I hate it.” (24:40)
• On Emerson's wisdom on self-trust: "Because you know what's best for yourself, you know what's in your heart and you know how you want to spend your time. If you don't do this, then you'll end up living a life of another person." (29:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp (MM:SS) | |---------------------------------------|--------------------| | Community Updates/Bookstore Plans | 01:10 – 05:25 | | Emerson’s Dilemma | 05:30 – 07:55 | | Analog vs. Digital Note-Taking | 07:55 – 10:00 | | John Locke Indexing Explanation | 10:00 – 25:05 | | Critique and Key Lessons | 24:12 – 25:05 | | Essay Recommendation—Self-Reliance | 25:05 – 32:52 | | Quotes and Personal Application | 28:30 – 32:40 | | Podcast Evolution and Listener Input | 32:52 – End |

Conclusion

Eddy Hood delivers a thorough, accessible critique of John Locke’s complex indexing system, using personal anecdotes and Emersonian wisdom to make the case for simplicity and self-trust in journaling and life. The episode blends practical advice, philosophical depth, and personal storytelling, offering listeners both actionable ideas and inspiration.

For more reading strategies, daily posts, and access to book notes, Eddy directs listeners to thereadwellpodcast.com.