The Diary Habit by Gelett Burgess
The Diary Habit is a humorous essay written by Gelett Burgess in which he discusses the benefits of keeping a diary and provides tips on how to do so effectively. He argues that writing down one's thoughts and experiences can help improve memory, increase self-awareness, and provide a sense of accomplishment. The book is divided into several chapters, each covering a different aspect of diary-keeping such as selecting the right journal, setting goals, and developing a consistent routine. Overall, The Diary Habit offers practical advice for anyone looking to start or improve their own diary practice.
By Gelett Burgess · First published 1902 · Genre: Autobiographical, Philosophical, Reflective · 1,416 words
First lines
For seven years I have kept my diary scrupulously, without missing a day, and now, at the beginning of a new twelvemonth, I am wondering whether I should maintain or renounce it. There are certain good habits, it would seem, as hard to break as bad ones, and if the practice of keeping a daily journal is a praiseworthy one, it derives no little of its virtue from sheer inertia. The half-filled book tempts one on; there is a pleasure in seeing the progress of the volume, leaf by leaf; like sentimental misers, we hoard our store of memories. We end each day with a definite statement of fact or fancy, and it grows harder and harder to abstain from the self-enforced duty. Yet it is seldom a pleasure, when one is fatigued with excitement or work, to transmit our affairs to writing.
What this Textopian page supports
The Diary Habit is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gelett Burgess, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gelett Burgess
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Autobiographical, Philosophical, Reflective, Humor, Literary
- Length: 1,416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Diary Habit by Gelett Burgess
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Autobiographical — The narrative is centered around the author's personal reflections and experiences with diary-keeping.
- Philosophical — The text explores themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time, questioning the value and purpose of keeping a diary.
- Reflective — The writing style is introspective, with the author contemplating past actions and their significance.
- Humor — The narrative includes light-hearted observations and a playful tone regarding the author's past and diary entries.
Tags
diary · journaling · self-reflection · writing · creativity · personal growth · habit formation · mental health · expression · organization · time management · emotional well-being