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Introducing an emergent note taking strategy. That will help you make the most of the knowledge you consume and make it usable.
The Zettlekasten method, is a method of externalising your ideas (taking notes), seeking the connections, and building a knowledge base that is easily retrievable. Since I was 11 I have been taking notes, but for the most part they are lost forever.
I started the year researching ‘memory’, to see if that was a potential solution. It turns out what is required is a system or retrieval. And the ONLY way to have a good system of retrieval, is a good filing system.
The problem with filing systems is you start with the categories. This is a problem because without the content, you’re not able to decide on the categories. The idea of a Zettlekasten is to create atomic notes that reveal their structure via the connection between them.
The benefits of the practice is
a command of the knowledge you have amassed. (So you don’t waste time reading books then forgetting the content)
A system for generating creative ideas outside your brain, by linking the ideas you collect.
It’s enjoyable
Here’s a brilliant 12 minute video to introduce the whole thing.
On taking Notes, The Zettlekasten Way.
Thanks for this! I’m a huge nerd and sucker for Obsidian.
I don’t use the full Zettelkasten method, but I do use atomic notes. I recently came across Milo’s ‘ACCESS’ folder structure, which was also great because it meant that my left hand panel had some sense to it. It was a good way of making the best of folders as well as links.
I think Tiago’s similar structure is call PARA.
Anyway - I could talk to you about this all day! If you use something similar to Obsidian where you get a node graph of your notes, I’d like to trade pictures!