I didn't get much value from notes until I started using fountain pens and focusing on my penmanship. Once I did, I had to slow down and take more concise notes

I didn't get much value from notes until I started using fountain pens and focusing on my penmanship. Once I did, I had to slow down and take more concise notes to avoid falling behind, which in turn lead to my needing to actually understand what was being presented so I could write it in fewer words instead of just writing down key points verbatim.