When and why a gentleman should keep a journal

The idea of a diary may immediately conjure up thoughts of Adrian Mole detailing his awkward time as a 13-year-old. The mistakes made, lessons learnt and regrets harboured. In the real world, past the time of being a testosterone-fuelled teenager, where we slog a 9-6 wearing expensive shoes and a tie, there is little reward in finishing work, only to then jot down the woes and dramas of an uneventful day. There is even less reward re-reading these entries a decade down the line. After all, this is the point of a journal – a first person account of moments enjoyed, something to reflect on further down the line.

Part of being a gentleman is to throw oneself into new experiences – namely travel. Travelling is the key to unlock unchartered waters: we meet new people, delve into fangled cultures and explore into the unknown. It is these moments that we want to cherish and remember. This is the time to keep the journal.

When off-the-beaten-track, or stepping into new territory, first-time experiences come thick and fast – it is astonishing how great memories pale into insignificance when stacked up against the incredible ones. A journal allows you to detail each individually, however minor, and ignite the occasion when reading your own words – much like hearing a song you haven’t heard in years can jog a memory from your childhood. You never meet someone who regrets keeping a journal while travelling, only those who deeply regret not doing so.

And as with your work notebook, this journal should be treated as a stylish accessory, something that is representative of the circumstance – you will carry it with you much of the time, refer back to it, and therefore its aesthetic appeal should be of importance when making a choice.