De-Automating My Reading Notes: A New and Better Way For Capturing My Reading Notes in Obsidian

De-Automating My Reading Notes: A New and Better Way For Capturing My Reading Notes in Obsidian

When it comes to capturing my reading notes in Obsidian, I've discovered a new and better approach that allows for a more immersive and meaningful experience. Initially, I had set up automation to streamline the process, but I soon realized that it created a sense of detachment and remoteness. So, I decided to make some changes and develop a more hands-on method.

The first step in my new approach is to read the book and mark it up as I go along. I find that this helps me engage with the content on a deeper level and allows for better retention. To make it easier to find the passages I've marked, I keep spare sets of Post-It Flags handy. However, I don't immediately create my note in Obsidian at this stage. I've learned through experimentation that some of the passages I marked may not be worth capturing in the end.

After finishing the book, I move on to the next step: creating a source note in Obsidian. This source note acts as a map of content (MOC) for the book I've read. Within my "Reading" folder in Obsidian, I have two sub-folders: Sources and Commonplace. By capturing a passage in its own separate note and linking it to the source note using a transcluded link, I can easily access the full note in preview mode. This approach allows for better organization and navigation within Obsidian.

Sometimes, I come across a thought or idea that doesn't warrant a separate note. In such cases, I still want to capture it for future reference. Initially, I thought automating this process would save me time, but I quickly realized that I wasn't fully absorbing the information when I did so. By manually curating these thoughts and ideas, I am better able to internalize and understand them.

In my journey of de-automating my reading notes, I've also come to appreciate the importance of intellectual exploration. This notion was reinforced by David Perell's article on how philosophers think. Philosophers, he argues, are the most rigorous thinkers, but their process goes beyond mere typing. They engage in intellectual exploration, following ideas from their embryonic stages to their mature forms. This process involves making ideas fight with each other, allowing for a deeper understanding of why certain forms were chosen over alternatives.

Perell highlights the significance of intellectual grace in philosophy and everyday life. He encourages approaching others with a mindset of learning rather than seeking to prove them wrong. By doing so, we broaden our perspectives and increase our capacity to find truth. Holding opposing ideas in mind simultaneously is a testament to first-rate intelligence, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

The concept of collective learning is also explored in Perell's article. He emphasizes that humanity's success lies not in the intelligence of individuals but in our ability to share and build upon knowledge as a tribe. This aligns with the importance of organizing reading notes and creating a source note in Obsidian. By curating and linking our ideas, we contribute to the collective pool of knowledge and facilitate further intellectual exploration.

A fascinating point raised by Perell is the influence of culture on our beliefs. He notes that ideas gain popularity through exposure, but popularity does not equate to correctness. Jumping to conclusions based on fashionable thinking limits our ability to discover the truth. By critically examining the premises and frames of ideas, we can challenge prevailing beliefs and uncover deeper insights.

In a world where social media often prioritizes likeability over truth, philosophers take risks by embracing reason and rationality. They are willing to sacrifice short-term social credit for the betterment of civilization in the long run. This commitment to seeking truth and challenging conventional wisdom is a testament to the value of intellectual exploration and the power of philosophy.

Based on these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice for capturing reading notes:

1. Engage actively: Instead of relying solely on automation, actively read and mark up books. This hands-on approach allows for better absorption of information and helps identify passages worth capturing.

2. Curate and organize: Create source notes in Obsidian to act as maps of content for the books you read. Capture passages as separate linked notes and transclude them into the source note for easy access and organization.

3. Embrace intellectual exploration: Adopt an attitude of intellectual grace and approach ideas with an open mind. Seek to understand and learn from others, rather than focusing solely on proving them wrong. Holding opposing ideas in mind simultaneously can lead to deeper insights and a more nuanced understanding.

In conclusion, de-automating my reading notes and embracing a more immersive and intentional approach has significantly enhanced my experience with Obsidian. By actively engaging with the content, curating my notes, and embracing intellectual exploration, I have found a new and better way to capture and organize my reading notes. In a world where knowledge is constantly evolving, it is through processes like these that we contribute to the collective pursuit of truth and understanding.