Summary
The book is about the Zettelkasten note-taking method - believed to have been invented by prolific German schooler Niklas Luhmann.
The method consists of two main parts.
The first is to summarise the main ideas of what you read in your own words. This seemingly simple process tests if you truly understand the materials.
The second part, arguably the more important one, is to create links between the new ideas and the existing concepts in your slip-box. This part should be given as much emphasis as writing the notes themselves. Combining ideas, meshing theories, and enriching concepts with experiences from different fields can help you multiply your knowledge. Doing so turns learning and note-taking to compound interests instead of linear addition.
Thoughts
I first learnt about the slip-box method on the Internet, and then bought the book and started using the Zettelkasten method to digest this very book about the Zettelkasten. I kept improving my Zettelkasten note-taking techniques as I went through the book. There were many aha insights that I probably would have missed without the practices.
I adopted Zettelkasten in 2020 and it has been tremendously helpful in my studies.
References
- Ahrens, S. (2017). How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking – for Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers. 1st edition ed. Amazon. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.