Doctrine

IV. Avoid haphazard writing materials. A pedantic adherence to certain papers, pens, inks is beneficial. No luxury, but an abundance of these utensils is indispensable. V. Let no thought pass incognito, and keep your notebook as strictly as the authorities keep their register of aliens. VI. Keep your pen aloof from inspiration, which it will then attract with magnetic power. The more circumspectly you delay writing down an idea, the more maturely developed it will be on surrendering itself. Speech conquers thought, but writing commands it.

Walter Benjamin, "Post No Bills: The Writer's Technique in Thirteen Theses," in "One-way Street." Selected Writings Vol. 1, p. 458.