Zettelkasten Method and its Application in Apple Notes

Introduction

• Zettelkasten means 'slip box' in English.
• Popularized by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann in the 1950s.
• Luhmann used it to collect ideas, summaries, and notes on index cards.
• System stored 90,000 cards collected over 50 years (average of 7 cards per day).

Components of the Zettelkasten

Permanent Notes

• These are core ideas or summaries written manually.
• Each card had a reference number for linking between cards.
• Cards could branch out, creating complex linking systems.
• Luhmann's notes allowed following a train of thought by linking cards.
• Credited for enabling his prolific career as a writer (70 books, 400 articles).

Literature Notes

• Written when reading books or articles.
• Included brief descriptions and page numbers for reference.
• Stored in a dedicated literature box for later use.

Reference Notes

• Included bibliographical notes and keywords indexes.
• Served as entry points or hubs to specific subjects, allowing for branching and exploration of subtopics.
• Luhmann trusted the system to provide the next steps in the thought process via interconnected cards.

Fleeting Notes

• Quick thoughts or ideas jotted down without context.
• Intention was to revisit and possibly transform these thoughts into permanent notes.

Principles of the Zettelkasten

• Always include references when linking to a specific piece of content.
• Write notes in your own words to internalize ideas fully.
• Limit categories to avoid restricting perspective.
• Use a good and functional system rather than striving for perfection.
• Over time, consistent use of the Zettelkasten can uncover forgotten ideas and lead to productive thinking.

Adapting the Zettelkasten to Apple Notes

• Apple Notes Setup: Four Categories: Fleeting Notes, Literature Notes, Permanent Notes, and Reference Notes.
• Literature Notes Examples: Include book metadata (title, author, etc.) and brief notes with references.
• Links: Easy to create in Apple Notes to connect ideas and notes (right-click 'Add Link' or use shortcuts).
• Keyword Index and Tags: Utilize the tag system in Apple Notes to create an efficient keyword index.
• Hub Notes: Create curated notes as entry points to multiple subtopics.

Key Takeaways

• Zettelkasten is about connecting ideas and making the system work for you over time.
• Consistency is key for the Zettelkasten method to be useful.
• Technology like Apple Notes can simplify the system significantly.

Conclusion

• Experiment with the system, adapt it for your needs, and maintain consistency over years for best results.
• Flexibility and adaptation are as important as the system itself.