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.

5. Manual note-taking in Obsidian:

Once I have curated and refined my notes, I manually add them to Obsidian. I read from the highlighted passages and type them into a note in Obsidian, adding necessary metadata as needed. This manual process allows me to absorb and internalize the notes, making them more meaningful and resonant.

Through this new approach, I discovered that manual note-taking and curation were essential for truly understanding and connecting with the content. While automation may save time, it doesn't always facilitate deep comprehension and meaningful engagement.

In addition to optimizing my reading notes process, I also found inspiration in James Altucher's concept of "idea sex." Altucher defines creativity as the logical combination of two or more existing elements that result in a new concept. Instead of imagining completely new concepts, he suggests focusing on developing innovative applications by combining elements that people already love.

This concept of idea sex resonated with me and complemented my approach to reading and note-taking. By combining the ideas and insights from the books I read, I could generate new and innovative thoughts. Just as Altucher suggests, I made two lists of what people love and explored ways to combine them. This exercise not only sparked my creativity but also helped me generate ideas that had the potential to make a significant impact.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice based on my experience:

1. Embrace a hybrid approach:

Instead of relying solely on automation or manual note-taking, consider adopting a hybrid approach. Use automation for efficiency in capturing initial notes, but manually curate and refine them to deepen your understanding and connection with the content.

2. Filter and prioritize:

When reviewing your notes, be selective and prioritize the most valuable insights. Not every note needs to be recorded separately. Focus on capturing ideas that truly resonate with you and have the potential to contribute to your learning and growth.

3. Engage in idea sex:

Take inspiration from Altucher's idea sex concept. Combine existing elements to generate innovative ideas. Make lists of what people love and explore ways to merge those elements creatively. This exercise can spark your imagination and lead to breakthrough thinking.

In conclusion, while automation has its advantages in terms of efficiency, it may not always be the most effective approach when it comes to reading notes and idea generation. By adopting a hybrid approach that combines automation with manual curation and by embracing the concept of idea sex, we can enhance our understanding, connection, and creativity. So, let's de-automate our reading notes and engage in the fruitful exchange of ideas to unlock our true potential.