The Power of Judging People by Their Abilities and the Zettelkasten Method

The Power of Judging People by Their Abilities and the Zettelkasten Method

In a world where titles and labels hold significant weight, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki emphasizes the importance of judging individuals based on their capabilities rather than their societal positions. At first glance, this notion may seem contrary to common sense, but its true essence lies in evaluating individuals abstractly, free from personal biases.

Suzuki asserts that we often exhibit extreme preferences, treating those we like favorably and being overly critical of those we dislike. However, these preferences are subjective and can cloud our judgment. By judging individuals based on their titles, we can objectively assess their current abilities and potential for growth.

Similarly, the Zettelkasten method, a note-taking system developed by sociologist Niklas Luhmann, highlights the need to organize and make sense of the information we gather. Traditional note-taking methods often result in chaos as time passes and the volume of information increases. So, what should we do with the notes we take? While initially, most of them may seem useless, we have been conditioned to expect our activities to be useful. Therefore, we must contemplate whether to organize our notes for future access and consider the most effective method for doing so.

However, if we wish to continue with our initial notes or add inserts, comments, or additional related content, branching becomes necessary. Sometimes, we struggle to determine whether it is worth writing a Zettel about the allure of a website, as we are unsure if it will truly be valuable. It may just be a temporary thought or solely for processing specific ideas or questions, rather than something worth preserving in the long term. We do not want our Zettelkasten to become a form of procrastination within our busy lives. If in doubt, write a note within a set timeframe. Any knowledge you add has the potential to be useful in ways that may not be apparent at the moment of creation. Simply adding links without any explanation does not generate knowledge. Future you may not understand why you need to follow that link. So, use your own words to create meaning.

By connecting these two seemingly unrelated concepts, we can understand the importance of evaluating individuals based on their abilities and the need to organize and make sense of the information we encounter. Both ideas emphasize the value of objectivity and self-reflection.

To apply these insights in our own lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Challenge your biases: Take a step back and consciously evaluate individuals based on their abilities rather than personal preferences or preconceived notions. This will help you make fair and objective judgments.

2. Embrace organization techniques: Adopt a note-taking system like the Zettelkasten method to effectively organize and process the information you gather. This will enable you to access and utilize knowledge more efficiently.

3. Prioritize self-reflection: Regularly reflect on your own biases, preferences, and thought processes. By understanding your own subjectivity, you can strive for greater objectivity in your decision-making and interactions with others.

In conclusion, the wisdom shared by Toshio Suzuki and the principles of the Zettelkasten method provide valuable insights into judging individuals based on their abilities and organizing information effectively. By incorporating these ideas into our lives, we can foster objectivity, self-reflection, and personal growth.