The Brutal Truth About Reading: If You Don’t Take Notes Right, You’ll Forget Nearly Everything

Hatched by Kazuki
Jul 03, 2023
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The Brutal Truth About Reading: If You Don’t Take Notes Right, You’ll Forget Nearly Everything
Reading is a valuable skill that allows us to gain knowledge and expand our understanding of the world. However, if we don't take notes properly, we are likely to forget a significant portion of what we read. This is where the benefits of public note-taking come into play.
When we leave notes with context, not only do they serve as a reminder for ourselves in the future, but they also become valuable for other people. By making our notes public, we create future value for ourselves and others. The ability to search and connect the dots later becomes a powerful tool for learning and knowledge retention.
Furthermore, knowing that our notes could be viewed by others serves as a forcing function to process information more deeply. When we are aware that our notes might be read by others, we are motivated to leave better, more detailed notes that can be understood by a wider audience. This deeper understanding enhances our own learning experience and contributes to the collective wisdom that gets passed down through generations.
The concept of "selling your sawdust" is relevant here. Just like how sawdust, which was once discarded, can now be valuable to others, our notes can be seen as valuable byproducts of our learning process. What may seem insignificant to us could be a treasure for someone else.
It's important to differentiate between different types of knowledge when it comes to note-taking. Snow Cone Knowledge, which is knowledge that is valuable in the moment but becomes outdated over time, should be balanced with Titanium Knowledge, which is durable knowledge that retains its value over decades. By focusing on Titanium Knowledge, we ensure that our note-taking system becomes an asset that provides passive benefits for years to come.
Building a note-taking system that is optimized for search engines and accessibility is crucial in today's digital age. Platforms like Glasp offer the ability to make our notes default-public, ensuring that our knowledge reaches a wider audience and remains accessible in the future. The searchability and accessibility of our notes contribute to their long-term value.
Transitioning from private to public notes may seem daunting at first, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Overcoming impostor syndrome, resisting tool lock-in, and investing the time to package our notes for others are all worthwhile endeavors. By sharing our knowledge publicly, we become part of a chain of wisdom that connects generations and leaves a lasting impact.
In a similar vein, Substack has revolutionized the publishing industry by offering a platform that allows writers to monetize their work directly through subscriptions. This shift from an advertising-based business model to a subscription-based model has empowered writers to build their businesses and reach new heights.
Substack is not just a publishing platform, but a network where publishers collaborate and help each other grow. The shared ecosystem of independent publications creates a powerful network effect that benefits both writers and readers. As more writers join Substack, the platform becomes a destination for readers to discover new voices and perspectives.
The success of Substack can be attributed to its focus on doing one thing really well. The platform provides writers with the tools they need to publish, communicate with their audience, and accept subscription payments seamlessly. This simplicity, combined with the collaborative nature of Substack, creates an ecosystem where writers can thrive and shape the worldview of their readers.
While Substack is currently known as a newsletter platform, its future potential extends beyond newsletters. The goal of Substack is to become the best place to build a media business, regardless of the content type. By expanding its offerings and potentially incorporating AI technology, Substack can lower the barrier to creation and provide even more value to its users.
In conclusion, both public note-taking and platforms like Substack have transformed the way we consume and share knowledge. By taking notes in a way that is optimized for searchability and accessibility, we ensure that our knowledge remains valuable for ourselves and others in the long run. Similarly, Substack's subscription-based model empowers writers to monetize their work directly and build successful media businesses. Both of these concepts emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge and collaborating with others to create a lasting impact.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Make your notes default-public: Consider using platforms like Glasp to make your notes accessible to a wider audience and to optimize them for search engines.
- 2. Focus on Titanium Knowledge: Prioritize learning and taking notes on topics that have long-term value and can retain their relevance over time.
- 3. Overcome challenges: Address impostor syndrome, resist tool lock-in, and invest the time to package your notes for others. Remember that the benefits of sharing your knowledge publicly far outweigh the challenges.
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