How to Take Smart Notes (praxis.fortelabs.co)

Article summary

The article discusses the book 'How To Take Smart Notes' by Sönke Ahrens, which presents a system for note-taking and writing based on the principles of Niklas Luhmann's 'slip-box' method. This approach emphasizes the importance of writing as a medium for thinking and the need for a standardized system to organize and connect notes. The article outlines 10 principles for taking 'smart' notes, including the idea that writing is not just an outcome of thinking, but a medium in which thinking takes place. By adopting this system, individuals can improve their thinking, learning, and writing abilities.

Main themes

• note-taking systems
• writing as thinking
• standardization and creativity
• knowledge management
• personal productivity

What commenters say

• The first principle that writing is not the outcome of thinking, but a medium in which thinking takes place, is seen as too extreme by some, who argue that thinking can occur in many ways beyond writing.
• Others find this principle to be a powerful tool for clarifying thoughts and ideas, and argue that it is not meant to be taken literally as the only medium for thinking.
• The idea that standardization enables creativity is disputed by some, who see standardization as a constraint on creative freedom.
• The use of writing as a medium for thinking is compared to other mediums, such as coding or sketching, which can also facilitate clarity and understanding.
• Some commenters find the article's principles to be helpful for improving their own note-taking and writing practices, while others are skeptical of the need for a standardized system.
• The importance of externalizing thoughts and ideas through writing or other means is seen as a key factor in facilitating learning and memory.
• The article's principles are seen as relevant not just to writing, but to other areas of life, such as programming or problem-solving, where clarity and precision are essential.