Keeping a diary of activities is an age old practice that has evolved with our use of written language. As programmers I think we want our brains to work like the computers we work with. We're looking for ways to use written language to facilitate retrieval of critical information effectively. I can't see the obsession stopping anytime in the near future.

Start with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. The Great Courses has some good materials for the adult learner. You can branch out from there.