YOU’RE SITTING in class with a
notebook and pen, listening to a
lecture about ancient history. Most
likely, the country’s capital and other
important facts aren’t the only thing
on that paper at the end of class.
There might be lines, shapes, and
comments in the margin. Or maybe
your notes look more like the picture
above.
Most people doodle occasionally.
Yet doodling is frowned upon in certain
situations, such as classes and business
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annoying or rude—the doodler must
not be paying attention, they think.
But some scientists and educators
beg to differ. Studies have shown that
doodling can actually help people
retain information. It also seems
to boost creativity and encourage
empathy. Doodling is an important
tool that can help us understand
our own thoughts and communicate
better, according to Sunni Brown,
author of the book The Doodle
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doodle as “making spontaneous
marks to help yourself think.”
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art of doodling may be in danger
of disappearing. Doodles were once
common on hand-written notes,
cards, and letters. Yet emails, texts,
and social media posts have largely
taken their place. In addition,laptops, tablets, and even the voice
memo function on our phones
are replacing pen and paper for
taking notes. Digital methods of
communication often don’t have a
free or easy-to-use way to doodle.
Muse readers, it’s time to save the
doodles! Whether you’re a newbie
doodler or a seasoned pro, grab
an old-fashioned pen and paper
(or a newfangled digital sketching
device) and join the revolution. The
doodle challenges on pages 32 and
33 will help you get started.Dispelling the Doodle Myth
Doodling has a bad reputation,
especially when the doodler isHands-
On