Zettelkasten overview
This is my simplified understanding of what a Zettelkasten is. Seems like a decent place to start.
- It’s a note taking system that focuses on finding and cultivating connections between notes.
- Every note has connections to other notes that make it part of the knowledge web.
- As it grows, the Zettelkasten will become a solid knowledge base that can be searched and “conversed” with, as it were.
- The structure of a Zettelkasten file:
- Title
- The note itself
- Links to other notes
- Imporant things about notes:
- They should be atomic and standalone - a note is only about one thing, and should be standalone.
- A note should always be linked with other notes. An unconnected note does not contribute to the web.
- Don’t copy paste things, try to write things with your own words so that you can understand them when reading them later.
- The idea of Zettelkasten is to be a knowledge base for years and remind your of ideas you had years ago even if you’ve forgotten them. It acts as a memory of sorts.
- Add references to notes so you know where they’re from.
- Create outline notes that connect similar notes when they naturally arise.
- Do not delete notes. Instead the new ones can show how your thoughts and ideas evolve over time.
- Naming of notes:
- Descriptive titles make everything much easier to work with. Plain text and future proof means editor-agnostic.
