"What We Talk About When We Talk About “Curation” and Taking Better Notes When Reading Non-Fiction"

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Aug 10, 2023
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"What We Talk About When We Talk About “Curation” and Taking Better Notes When Reading Non-Fiction"
In a world saturated with information, the art of curation has become increasingly valuable. The ability to sift through the vast maze of overabundance and find what is truly interesting, meaningful, and relevant is a form of creative and intellectual labor that deserves recognition. Curation goes beyond mere acquisition and selection; it involves contextualizing and providing a framework for what matters in the world and why.
People respond to enthusiasm. When someone is genuinely passionate about something, it sparks a curiosity in others. This is where the power of curation lies. A good curator is able to convey their enthusiasm and make others see the value in what they have discovered. It is a form of authorship that goes beyond simply collecting and displaying, but rather, it is about storytelling and connecting people to ideas that resonate with them.
But how do we effectively curate? How do we ensure that we are finding the right ideas and distilling them in a way that is both meaningful and impactful? One tool that can aid in this process is the HQ&A (Highlight, Question, and Answer) note-taking technique.
The HQ&A technique requires active reading and learning. As you come across valuable information, you save it by highlighting the passage. But don't stop there. Formulate a question for which you see the passage as the answer. This forces you to engage with the material and think critically about its meaning. Finally, write a compressed version of the passage in your own words, expressing the insight that you have gained.
This process of active engagement with the material promotes better retention and recall of information over the long term. By constantly retrieving and explaining what we have learned, we solidify our understanding and strengthen our thinking skills. It is not enough to passively consume information through lectures or readings; we must actively engage with it and make it our own.
The HQ&A technique is particularly useful when reading non-fiction that requires a deeper level of understanding. It allows us to distill complex ideas and concepts into concise and digestible insights. These flashcard-style notes can then be revisited and reused, serving as a valuable resource for future reference and remixing.
Of course, there are times when a more shallow approach to note-taking is appropriate. The Jump Note technique is ideal for quickly exploring a new topic or when thoughtful note-taking is not practical. But when narrow depth is a priority and a deeper understanding is needed, the HQ&A technique is the way to go.
At the heart of the HQ&A technique is the switch from passive to active learning. By formulating questions and expressing insights in our own words, we force our minds to truly understand and connect with the material. It is through this process of active engagement that information becomes knowledge and knowledge becomes insight.
In conclusion, the art of curation and effective note-taking go hand in hand. Both require a discerning eye and a commitment to finding and distilling the most valuable ideas. By using the HQ&A technique, we can enhance our ability to retain and recall information while also developing our own original thoughts. So the next time you find yourself surrounded by an abundance of information, remember the power of curation and the importance of taking meaningful notes. Your future self will thank you.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Embrace the role of a curator in your own life. Seek out interesting, meaningful, and relevant information and share it with others. Your enthusiasm can spark curiosity in others and lead to valuable connections.
- 2. Adopt the HQ&A note-taking technique when reading non-fiction. By actively engaging with the material and formulating questions and insights, you can enhance your understanding and retention of information.
- 3. Make note-taking a habit. Whether it's using the HQ&A technique or another method that works for you, consistently capturing and organizing your thoughts will strengthen your thinking skills and provide a valuable resource for future reference.
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