Building a Personal Network of Knowledge: Zettelkasten System

Introduction

• A personal knowledge network known as "Zettelkasten" or "second brain" can be transformative.
• Valuable for reading, writing, and thinking.
• Initial challenges include the temptation to follow too many methods, leading to complexity and perfectionism.
• Focus on simplicity and key features rather than gimmicks.

Key Benefits of Zettelkasten

1. Forces Slowing Down

• Encourages thorough note-taking and deeper processing of information.
• Speed reading is not effective for retention and understanding.
• Leads to better retention and deeper understanding.

2. Instant Feedback on Learning

• Writing notes provides immediate feedback on understanding.
• If you struggle to write notes, it's a sign to revisit and understand the material.
• Follows the Feynman technique: teaching enhances learning.

3. Connection of Ideas

• Unlike traditional subject-based folders, Zettelkasten allows for connections across subjects.
• Enables a holistic understanding by linking ideas from various fields.
• Notes are free to mix and form new insights over time.

Zettelkasten Setup Using Obsidian

Installation and Vault Creation

• Obsidian is recommended for building the system.
• A vault is where all notes are stored; it's a folder on your computer.
• Store the vault on a cloud service for accessibility.

Folder Structure

• Rough Notes: Temporary ideas and reminders.
• Source Material: Insights from all consumed content (books, articles, etc.).
  • Use subfolders and categorize by material type.
• Tags: For navigation and linking notes.
  • Tags are empty notes that serve as organizational tools.
• Indexes: Help navigate large networks of notes.
  • Tags can evolve into indexes when linked notes grow.
• Templates: Store templates for consistent note-making.
• Main Notes: Store all refined notes, free from folder restrictions.

Initial Setup Steps

• Configure Obsidian settings for file locations and appearance.
• Establish hotkeys and enable necessary plugins (e.g., Templates).

Writing Notes

Creating and Structuring Notes

• Use pre-set templates for consistency.
• Write notes in a way that captures personal understanding.
• Notes should be independent and self-explanatory.

Tags and References

• Use tags that are neither too vague nor too specific.
• Tags should reflect personal interests.
• References at note bottom link to similar ideas and source materials.

Note Writing Techniques

• Keep notes concise and focused on a single idea.
• Format notes for readability.

Final Thoughts

• Be patient and persevere through the initial setup and learning curve.
• Engage with the community for support and troubleshooting.
• Embrace the simplicity and effectiveness of the Zettelkasten system.