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The Socratic Journal Method: A Simple Journaling Method That Works

The Socratic Journal Method: A Simple Journaling Method That Works

2 comments

·September 10, 2025
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N_Lens

Just a caution regarding a key assumption in this article - the assumption is that metacognition/reflection is “good”.

However, some people experience too much metacognition/reflection and that actually causes depression/anxiety. These people also tend to be highly intelligent, and I suspect a higher proportion of HN readers will fall into this category.

Turns out just running on autopilot most of the time is the healthier human experience.

Brajeshwar

This is an interesting perspective and I like this. I'm going to see how this method goes. I journal and tend to write a lot. This is after years of repeated tries, failures, and re-tries.

I agree with the simple physical pen/paper combo.[1] For the digital part, I suggest sticking to plain-text.[2] Personally, I’ve a feeling video or audio, unless transcribed and texted, will likely become cumbersome and will remain in oblivion.

1. https://brajeshwar.com/2025/notes/

2. “Every device, including ones long gone, and ones not invented yet, can read and edit plain text.” - Derek Sivers