202409220235 Status: #idea Tags: #learning_theory #compression # Learning is compression and compression is connection When we attempt to learn vast amounts of information, we need to compress it by fitting into a category or framework. This compresses the idea down and makes it much more understandable. For example, we can learn about the many revolts that happened over the course of the 20th century and fit them into general frameworks of communist uprisings to see common threads and understand the similarities better. The key is that this compression is typically done through connection or analogy to some other concept we know. Saying “exponentiation is repeated multiplication” is very compact and compresses the idea well, but only if we know multiplication well already and can recognize this link between exponentiation and multiplication. Thus, in note taking, when trying to summarize arguments and rephrase them into your own words, look for the connections to other ideas that allow you to compress the text substantially [[Zettelkasten is accelerated traversal through Bloom's taxonomy]] --- # References [[How to take smart notes_ one simple technique to boost writing, learning and thinking]]