The FUN and EFFICIENT note-taking system I use in my PhD

Summary

In this video, Morgan, a fifth-year PhD candidate, introduces the Zettelkasten method, an effective knowledge management system for note-taking and idea organization. Originally used by Nicholas Luman in the 1960s, the method is enhanced by modern software like Obsidian, which automates the linking of thoughts. Morgan shares core principles of the system, including writing regularly, valuing all knowledge, making notes on complete thoughts, and interconnecting ideas. She demonstrates how to use Obsidian to transform fleeting notes into permanent ones, connect them with existing knowledge, and leverage the system for efficient writing and critical thinking.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Morgan, a fifth-year PhD candidate, found traditional note-taking methods insufficient for her doctoral studies.
• 🔍 She sought a system to store and access vast amounts of information, interconnected for creative and critical thinking.
• 📚 Morgan's undergraduate note-taking involved highlighting and margin notes, which became cumbersome for research.
• 💡 She discovered the Zettelkasten method, a knowledge management system used by Nicholas Luman in the 1960s.
• 💻 The method is enhanced by modern software like Obsidian, which automates the linking of ideas, surpassing traditional paper-based systems.
• ✍️ The Zettelkasten method emphasizes writing in your own words to capture thoughts effectively.
• 🧠 It views all knowledge as valuable, not just academic sources, encouraging a non-hierarchical organization of ideas.
• 🔗 Each note should represent a single, irreducible thought, interconnected with existing knowledge for a robust network.
• 📝 Morgan demonstrated how to use Obsidian to transform fleeting notes into permanent notes and connect them within the system.
• 🔑 The power of Zettelkasten lies in the quantity and quality of connections, facilitating easy retrieval and synthesis of ideas for writing.

Q & A

What was the main issue Morgan faced with their note-taking method during undergraduate studies?

Morgan's issue was that the way they took notes in undergrad wasn't sufficient for their PhD program, as it didn't allow for storing and easily accessing large amounts of interconnected information when writing papers.

Why did Morgan start looking for a new note-taking method?

Morgan needed a method to store huge amounts of information that was easily accessible and fully interconnected with their other knowledge to facilitate creative and critical thinking in their academic work.

What is the Zettelkasten method and who originally used it?

The Zettelkasten method is a knowledge management system used for note-taking and organizing thoughts. It was originally used by Nicholas Luman in the 1960s.

What software does Morgan use for their Zettelkasten system and why is it advantageous?

Morgan uses Obsidian, a software that helps in connecting thoughts and organizing notes digitally. It's advantageous because it automates the linking process between notes, making it easier to manage and access the interconnected knowledge.

What are the four core principles of the Zettelkasten method that Morgan mentions?

The four core principles are: 1) Write all the time in your own words. 2) Everything is knowledge, not just academic sources. 3) Thought is the basic unit of knowledge, making notes irreducible yet complete. 4) Knowledge is interconnected, so every note should connect to existing knowledge.

How does Morgan capture fleeting notes and what is the purpose of these notes?

Morgan captures fleeting notes by jotting down thoughts, ideas, and information that occur to them throughout the day. The purpose is to later transform these fleeting notes into permanent notes within the Zettelkasten system.

What is the process Morgan follows to take permanent notes from fleeting notes?

Morgan reviews each fleeting note and decides if it's important enough to be written as a permanent note. If so, they write the note in their own words, making it as irreducible as possible while still expressing a complete thought.

How does Morgan use Obsidian to connect notes and what is the benefit of this?

Morgan uses Obsidian to create links between notes, which helps in connecting thoughts and ideas. The benefit is that it creates a network of interconnected thoughts, making it easier to retrieve and use information when writing papers or essays.

What is the significance of naming notes in Morgan's Zettelkasten system?

Naming notes with unique identifiers is significant because it allows for easy retrieval and avoids confusion when linking to specific ideas within the system.

Why is it important to trust the system according to Morgan?

Trusting the system is important because the value of the Zettelkasten system increases with the number and quality of connections between notes. The more notes and connections made, the more useful the system becomes for generating and organizing ideas.

How does Morgan suggest using the Zettelkasten system for writing projects?

Morgan suggests using the Zettelkasten system by pulling out already written and connected notes for essays, arranging them in a logical order, and then focusing on connecting those thoughts to create a flowing paper.