Note 4 — THE FORUM (continued 3)

In Harper’s New Monthly Magazine for June, 1870, we read: “Rumor attributes to Ralph Waldo Emerson a peculiar method of composition. He keeps, it is said, a commonplace book into which go every striking thought, curious metaphor, keen epigram, which his own mind incubates or his various reading discovers. When he is called on for a lecture, he goes to his commonplace book. He culls from its pages enough of its best material for an hour’s instruction or entertainment. Connection is immaterial….”