Combining Automation and Manual Note-Taking for Effective Reading and Idea Generation

Combining Automation and Manual Note-Taking for Effective Reading and Idea Generation

In today's fast-paced world, automation has become an integral part of our lives. It allows us to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. However, when it comes to certain activities like reading and note-taking, automation may not always be the best option. While automation provides efficiency, it often lacks effectiveness, especially when it comes to understanding and connecting the dots.

One area where automation may fall short is in capturing reading notes. Many individuals use tools like Obsidian to automate the process of note-taking while reading. While this may seem convenient, it can create a sense of detachment and remoteness from the content. Often, these automated notes are never reviewed or fully comprehended.

To overcome this challenge, I experimented with a new and better way of capturing my reading notes in Obsidian. Instead of relying solely on automation, I adopted a more manual approach that allowed me to actively engage with the content and filter what truly mattered to me.

Here's how my new process works:

1. Marking up the book:
   First, I read the book and mark it up along the way. This helps me identify key passages and important points that resonate with me.

2. Creating a source note:
   Next, I create a source note for the book. This acts as a map of content (MOC) for that particular book. It provides an overview of the book's main ideas and themes.

3. Reviewing and curating:
   After finishing the book, I review the notes I took and decide which ones are worth capturing as separate linked notes and which ones can be noted in the source MOC. This step ensures that I capture only the most valuable insights and ideas.

4. Updating and refining:
   Before creating my notes in Obsidian, I revisit the book and review the flags or markers I left. If I find that a note is not worth keeping or recording, I remove the flag. This allows me to refine and update my notes based on my current understanding and perspective.