Notes Against Note-Taking Systems: The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps

Notes Against Note-Taking Systems: The Secret Power of ‘Read It Later’ Apps

In our fast-paced world, where information is constantly bombarding us from every angle, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. Note-taking systems have become popular tools for organizing and retaining information, but are they really the most effective way to enhance our knowledge and creativity?

One of the drawbacks of relying too heavily on note-taking systems is that they can hinder our natural salience filter. Our minds have a unique way of determining what is most important to us, what truly sticks in our minds. When we start relying on a preexisting criteria dictated by a note-taking system, we may end up recording things that seem interesting based on that criteria, rather than what organically resonates with us. This tradeoff is often not worth it, as it can hinder our ability to create new and innovative ideas.

Getting lost in a knowledge management system is a common pitfall of extensive note-taking. It becomes easy to spend hours organizing and categorizing information, without actually creating anything substantial. The most powerful and heart-stopping writing often comes from synthesizing previously unarticulated thoughts in the moment. Instead of reaching for our databases, we should try to channel what is in the air at this very second, allowing our minds to freely explore new ideas.

This doesn't mean that note-taking should be completely abandoned. It simply means that we should keep it as elementary as possible, just like Leonardo da Vinci did. Da Vinci kept all of his notes in one big book, jotting down anything that caught his interest. This approach, known as a commonplace book, allows for easy access to information without the need for an elaborate note-taking system. Having all our notes in one place can make it easier to access and utilize the knowledge we have gathered.

On the other hand, 'Read It Later' apps offer a different approach to enhancing our knowledge and understanding. Reading is often seen as the closest thing we have to thinking another person's thoughts. It allows us to immerse ourselves in someone else's paradigm, which is the first step towards letting go of our own. In a world where the ability to read is becoming a competitive advantage, finding ways to increase our consumption of long-form content is crucial.

These apps also help in better filtering the content we consume. With the overwhelming amount of information available to us, it can be challenging to find valuable and substantive content. 'Read It Later' apps provide a solution by allowing us to save articles and blog posts for later consumption. This way, we can create a pool of options drawn from a longer time period, enabling us to make decisions from a higher perspective. This ensures that the content we consume is aligned with what truly matters to us.

In addition to the benefits of these apps, they also offer the opportunity to learn faster by assimilating and building on the ideas of others. While we may not understand every lesson and experience that someone else has had, we can still incorporate many of their ideas and insights. Ideas are powerful agents, and they become even more impactful when arranged in highly cross-referenced networks. Our brains are the only tool capable of creating and accessing these networks on demand.

To make the most of both note-taking and 'Read It Later' apps, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Simplify your note-taking system: Instead of spending excessive time organizing and categorizing information, opt for a more elementary approach like da Vinci's commonplace book. Keep all your notes in one place for easy access.

2. Utilize 'Read It Later' apps: Increase your consumption of long-form content by saving articles and blog posts for later. This allows you to create a pool of options and make decisions from a higher perspective.

3. Assimilate and build on the ideas of others: Instead of making every mistake yourself, incorporate the lessons and insights of others. Ideas have a network effect, and by incorporating diverse perspectives, you can enhance your own understanding and creativity.

In conclusion, while note-taking systems have their benefits, it is important to strike a balance and not let them become the sole focus of our endeavors. By embracing the simplicity of da Vinci's approach and utilizing 'Read It Later' apps, we can enhance our knowledge, creativity, and understanding in a more holistic and efficient manner. Remember, the goal is not to drown in information, but to find ways to let our minds explore and create in the present moment.