A Secret History of Thinking on Paper

In this Ethical Matters talk, Irving Finkel, founder of The Great Diary Project, and Roland Allen, author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, delve into the profound role diaries and notebooks have played in documenting personal histories and preserving cultural heritage. Exploring the intersection of ethics, memory, and creativity, they discuss the complexities of collecting, preserving, and interpreting intimate records of human life, and how these artefacts can illuminate both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of our shared experience.

Irving, renowned for his work in Assyriology and his commitment to preserving everyday diaries, and Allen, a passionate advocate for the historical significance of notebooks, reflect on their respective projects, the ethical considerations involved, and the ongoing importance of safeguarding these powerful tools of creativity and thought.