Learn Zettelkasten by Example #2: No Categories


Intro Blurb

In this post, I write fleeting notesThe simplest way to use Zettelkasten for note managementEverywhere I look, I find complicated Zettelkasten workflows that require a multi-step setup process. On top of the setup, notes must be regularly reviewed and categorized. For some, this workflow may be a godsend, but for most, it's overkill. I'm here to unveil my method of using Zettelkasten. It may be unconventional, so beware. Zettelkasten Concepts Zettelkasten can be distilled into two principles: take atomic notes and make connections. What this means is to take notes that are limited to on an article titled "Why Categories for Your Note Archive are a Bad Idea". The article is about why categories are limited and how Zettelkasten is better because it's more in line with how we think. Hopefully, this process can give you ideas about how to improve your Zettelkasten workflow. Also, feel free to suggest articles you want me to read next week.

My Notes

Article Link: https://zettelkasten.de/posts/no-categories/

  • Current organization techniques require you to make many decisions which add lots of friction to note-taking too many decisions cause inactiontoo many decisions cause inactionBecause decisions cost time, decisions make it hard for us to do action
  • fleshing out categories is like setting up a routine. routines are a shortcut to decision makingroutines are a shortcut to decision makingthey reduce the amount of decisions we need to make and they're a shortcut because notes/too many decisions cause inaction
  • Organizing by categories is organization with the tree structureorganization with the tree structureOrganization with a tree structure involves grouping things in a hierarchical format where groups contain sub-groups. An example is having nested folders under a parent folder.
  • With organization with the tree structureorganization with the tree structureOrganization with a tree structure involves grouping things in a hierarchical format where groups contain sub-groups. An example is having nested folders under a parent folder., new notes that don't fit the structure either cause compromise in organization or modification to the structure
  • the brain has an organic structurethe brain has an organic structurenotes/the brain is a network of ideas. The structure is dynamic and grows unlike notes/organization with the tree structure.
  • it's difficult and time consuming to update rigid structures (e.g. organization with the tree structureorganization with the tree structureOrganization with a tree structure involves grouping things in a hierarchical format where groups contain sub-groups. An example is having nested folders under a parent folder.)
  • starting is always better than not doing anythingstarting is always better than not doing anythingWhen we start something, we can get things done. Even if we go about it in the wrong direction, we can get real experience from actually doing the thing and learn from it.

A Video

Here is a video of me taking the notes + my commentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6gMDQ5Ll3w