In the world of writing, there is a common misconception that it is a difficult task. However, German sociologist Professor Nicholas Luhmann, who has published over 70 books and more than 400 papers in his 30-year career, proves that this is not necessarily the case. His impressive productivity raises the question of how he was able to accomplish so much. It turns out that most of his work was done alone, with only a proofreader checking for spelling errors. This led people to jokingly refer to him as someone who made a deal with the devil.

In the world of writing, there is a common misconception that it is a difficult task. However, German sociologist Professor Nicholas Luhmann, who has published over 70 books and more than 400 papers in his 30-year career, proves that this is not necessarily the case. His impressive productivity raises the question of how he was able to accomplish so much. It turns out that most of his work was done alone, with only a proofreader checking for spelling errors. This led people to jokingly refer to him as someone who made a deal with the devil.

Naturally, I was curious about Professor Luhmann's secret to writing. Fortunately, he was not secretive about it at all. He attributed his success to a method called "Zettelkasten," which translates to "notebox" in English. The method involves the following steps:

1. Read books on topics of interest and summarize the content in your own words, adding your own insights and including the bibliographic information.
2. Keep related notes together, using separate noteboxes for different topics, and make connections between the information (similar to today's hyperlinks).
3. Regularly review your notes to find inspiration (a concept known as serendipity).
4. Once you have gathered enough notes on a specific topic, use them to write an article or paper.

Learning about Professor Luhmann's Zettelkasten method was a revelation for me. It completely changed my perception of the writing process. Writing does not start from a blank page. In the past, I would read papers and leave my own critical summaries in the margins of the PDF. The problem was that these notes would get lost when I switched to other tasks or took a break. Instead of scattering my notes around different papers, I realized that I needed to gather and organize them around specific topics. This way, I could see my thoughts and supporting evidence clearly.

Interestingly, Professor Luhmann's writing process using Zettelkasten is similar to how many prolific writers, including the famous Korean scholar Dasan Jeong Yakyong, approach their work. They all have a habit of taking notes while reading or when inspiration strikes. They then organize these notes in their own unique ways and connect their thoughts to write their pieces. They have all unknowingly built their own version of Zettelkasten, which is why they often advise others to make note-taking a habit and write frequently. However, as a reader, I found their fragmented advice less impactful, as it did not provide a complete view of their writing systems. Perhaps they did not explicitly mention it because they assumed everyone already had their own method in place. Nevertheless, what is important to note is that everyone goes through a similar process in writing or book creation. The difference between those who find writing easy and those who struggle lies in how systematically they prepare their writing materials (a collection of thoughts and supporting materials).

As shown in the diagram below, collecting inspiring materials (through reading or any form of input) and effectively capturing them as notes is crucial. When it comes time to write, the pieces of thoughts can be translated and connected, much like connecting the dots.

In addition to the Zettelkasten method, there is another valuable insight that can be applied to decision-making in various aspects of life. Steve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple, reportedly asked himself a simple question before hiring anyone: "Would I enjoy going out for a beer with this person?" This question, often referred to as the "beer test," allows one to rely on their instincts and emotional intelligence to determine whether someone would be a good fit for a company. This concept can be extended beyond hiring and applied to personal relationships, partnerships, and collaborations as well. Building connections and enjoying the company of those we work with can greatly enhance productivity and overall satisfaction.

Based on these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Develop a habit of note-taking: Whether it's through the Zettelkasten method or your own system, make note-taking a regular practice. Capture inspiring thoughts and supporting materials, ensuring they are organized and easily accessible for future reference.

2. Connect the dots: Regularly review your notes and make connections between different pieces of information. Look for patterns, themes, and relationships that can inspire new ideas or insights.

3. Trust your instincts: When making decisions about hiring, partnerships, or collaborations, consider whether you genuinely enjoy the company of the person in question. Listen to your gut feelings and emotional intelligence to determine if they would be a good fit.

In conclusion, writing is not as daunting as it may seem. By adopting the Zettelkasten method and developing a habit of note-taking, one can organize their thoughts and supporting materials effectively. Additionally, considering the "beer test" when making decisions about people can lead to more productive and fulfilling collaborations. So, start collecting your thoughts, connecting the dots, and trusting your instincts. You'll be surprised at how much easier writing and decision-making can become.