Coffeehouse Culture Club

May 10, 2012

Coffeehouses are having something of a revival. In the 1800’s they were everywhere. They were place where the great thinkers and polymaths met to share ideas and test out theories. Before iPad’s and laptops, people like Darwin and Brunel set down their thoughts in Commonplace Books. These were note books which acted as a ‘common place’ for ideas of all kinds. What’s really interesting, especially in a world where we seem to know more and more about less and less, is the breadth of thought in these old commonplace books. Brunel might have a design for a bridge next to a poem, underneath a sketch for a new kind of table lamp alongside some thoughts on cognitive development.

Thinking about many different things and sharing thoughts and ideas is one of the ways that good ideas happen.

Whether you’re an accountant, banker or doctor don’t get stuck in your professional rut today. Design a lamp and write a poem.