Stop Overthinking Your Zettelkasten System: How To Get Started Writing Your First Notes

Stop Overthinking Your Zettelkasten System: How To Get Started Writing Your First Notes

The History of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

In recent years, the concept of a Zettelkasten system has gained popularity among individuals looking to organize their thoughts and ideas. A Zettelkasten, translated as "slip box" or "card index," is a note-taking system that allows for the organization and connection of ideas. But how do you get started with your own Zettelkasten system? And why should you stop overthinking it?

When it comes to taking notes while reading, there are two types that come to mind: literature notes and permanent notes. Literature notes are the ugly, incomplete notes you take as you're reading. They don't have to be perfect, just capture your thoughts and move on. On the other hand, permanent notes are top-level topics or groups of notes that help you establish thoughts and arguments. These are the notes that form the backbone of your Zettelkasten system.

But what about sequence notes? These are atomic notes with one idea each that sit inside your top-level permanent notes. They add thoughts and ideas to the original note, allowing for further exploration and connection of ideas. The key is to think of your Zettelkasten as a living ecosystem that can grow and change over time. Don't overthink it. Merge similar permanent notes or rewrite note titles as you go along. The goal is to let your system evolve naturally.

While the structure of your Zettelkasten is important, it's the practices you employ every day that make the system work. One note equals one thought. By practicing and figuring out a way to make the system work for you, you can tap into the power of your Zettelkasten for thinking and generating new ideas. It's a process that requires dedication and experimentation, but the rewards are worth it.

Now, let's shift our focus to another intriguing concept: non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. NFTs have gained significant attention in the digital world, but their history can be traced back to the launch of CryptoKitties in October 2017. A Vancouver-based company called Axiom Zen introduced CryptoKitties as a unique way to create digital collectibles on the Ethereum blockchain.

To understand the significance of NFTs, it's important to first understand the concept of fungibility. Fungible assets are interchangeable, meaning one unit can be exchanged for another of equal value. Bitcoin, for example, is fungible. Each bitcoin holds the same value as any other. But NFTs are different. They are non-fungible, meaning each token is unique and cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis.