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.

While ERC20 tokens work well for many functions on Ethereum, they are not ideal for creating unique tokens. This led to the invention of ERC721, a technical standard specifically designed for non-fungible tokens. The first project to utilize the ERC721 standard was CryptoKitties, which allowed users to breed, trade, and collect unique digital cats. The success of CryptoKitties led to the realization of the true potential of NFTs.

As the popularity of NFTs grew, other projects emerged in the space. One such project was the Rare Pepe Meme Directory, which certified the rarity of digital pepe memes. This example highlights the desire for unique digital items and how NFTs fulfill that need. Additionally, projects like Cryptopunks introduced unique characters generated on the Ethereum blockchain. While Cryptopunks did not follow the ERC721 standard, they can be described as an ERC721 and ERC20 hybrid, combining the best features of both standards.

The true power of NFTs became evident when Dapper Labs, the company behind CryptoKitties, secured $15 million in funding from top investors. This sparked interest within the digital community and showcased the potential of NFTs beyond just collectibles. NFT games and projects began collaborating with each other to make items interoperable, creating a vibrant ecosystem within the NFT space.

In conclusion, both the Zettelkasten system and NFTs have their unique value and can be powerful tools for organizing thoughts and generating new ideas. When it comes to your Zettelkasten system, remember not to overthink it. Let it evolve naturally and support it with good practices. As for NFTs, their history showcases the desire for unique digital items and the potential for collaboration within the space. Whether you're organizing your thoughts or exploring the world of NFTs, take action and embrace the power of these systems.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Start small: Begin by taking literature notes as you read. Don't worry about perfection; focus on capturing your thoughts and move on. Gradually build your top-level permanent notes and incorporate sequence notes to deepen your understanding and connection of ideas.

• 2. Experiment and adapt: Your Zettelkasten system is a living ecosystem. Don't be afraid to merge similar permanent notes or rewrite note titles as you go along. Embrace the process of experimentation and adapt the system to suit your needs.

• 3. Explore the NFT space: If you're intrigued by the concept of non-fungible tokens, start by exploring existing projects and games. Look for opportunities to collaborate and make items interoperable. Embrace the potential of NFTs beyond just collectibles and see how they can reshape the digital landscape.