Glasp vs. Matter: Which Highlighter App Should You Use?

Glasp vs. Matter: Which Highlighter App Should You Use?
Don’t Treat Your Life as a Project: Finding the Balance Between Narrative and Reality

In today's digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible, finding effective tools to aid in comprehension and organization is essential. Two such tools that have gained popularity are Glasp and Matter, both of which are highlighter apps designed to enhance the reading and learning experience. While they have similarities in their core functionality, there are distinct features that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of Glasp and Matter, helping you determine which one is best suited for your needs.

Glasp is a highlighter app that allows users to highlight web articles, PDF files, and YouTube transcripts. Unlike some highlighter apps that use a reader view, Glasp preserves the original formatting of the article, ensuring a seamless reading experience. Additionally, Glasp offers the unique feature of importing highlights and notes from Kindle, making it convenient for users who utilize the Kindle Cloud Reader. The app also provides various options for exporting highlights and notes, allowing users to choose the file format that best suits their preferences.

On the other hand, Matter distinguishes itself by offering direct synchronization with popular apps such as Roam, Obsidian, Notion, and Readwise. This integration allows users to seamlessly transfer their highlights and notes to their preferred note-taking or knowledge management platforms. If you are someone who relies heavily on these apps for organizing and synthesizing information, Matter may be the better choice for you.

Despite their differences, both Glasp and Matter offer a community-focused experience. Glasp, in particular, combines aspects of social media apps with highlighter apps, creating a platform where users can share their insights and learn from like-minded individuals. All highlights and notes within Glasp are public, fostering a sense of community and encouraging knowledge exchange. This unique feature sets Glasp apart from traditional highlighter apps and may appeal to users who value the social component of the learning experience.

However, it is worth noting that viewing your life as a narrative can have its limitations. The philosopher Galen Strawson criticizes the notion that we must construct a coherent narrative of our lives, arguing that it is a fallacy of our age. He believes that there is no inherent need for our lives to conform to a specific narrative structure. Instead, he suggests embracing the openness and unpredictability of life, allowing it to unfold naturally without the pressure of fitting it into a predetermined storyline.

Strawson's perspective raises an important question: Should we view our lives as a linear narrative or celebrate the multitude of experiences that make up our existence? It is tempting to succumb to the idea that our lives must follow a specific arc with a clear climax, but in reality, life is much messier and complex than that. As philosopher Iris Murdoch exemplifies, a good life does not necessarily adhere to a predetermined narrative structure. Murdoch's life was filled with various endeavors, some successful and others not, but it did not conform to the traditional narrative structure that proponents of the Life as Narrative concept advocate.

Instead of focusing on constructing a linear narrative, it is more valuable to appreciate the abundance of experiences and embrace the multitude of successes and failures that shape our lives. By avoiding the pressure to define our lives by a single enterprise or narrative arc, we free ourselves from the limitations of a predetermined outcome. Our lives are not defined by a single event but by the continuous act of living.

With these considerations in mind, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the diversity of storytelling: While narratives can provide a sense of structure and meaning, it is essential to recognize that storytelling comes in various forms. Embrace the nonlinear aspects of your life and appreciate the richness of experiences that do not necessarily conform to a traditional narrative arc.

2. Foster a sense of community in your learning journey: Just as Glasp encourages users to share their insights and learn from others, seek out communities or platforms where you can engage with like-minded individuals. This collaborative approach to learning can broaden your perspectives and enhance your overall understanding.

3. Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Instead of defining your life by a single enterprise or narrative arc, shift your focus to the process of living. Celebrate the small successes and failures that contribute to your growth and development. By appreciating the journey rather than fixating on the destination, you can find fulfillment in the present moment.

In conclusion, Glasp and Matter are both powerful highlighter apps that offer unique features to enhance your reading and learning experience. While Glasp provides a community-focused approach and preserves the original formatting of articles, Matter stands out with its seamless integration with popular note-taking and knowledge management platforms. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, it is crucial to remember that constructing a linear narrative of your life is not essential for personal growth and fulfillment. Embrace the abundance of experiences and celebrate the digressive amplitude of being alive.