202409221200 Status: #idea Tags: #learning_theory #encoding #compression # Zettelkasten as compression Zettlekasten focuses on taking atomic notes while we read. We ask ourselves frequently questions like: - What is the core of this idea? - How can I rephrase this idea more succinctly? - How does this idea relate to other ideas? - Can I express this ideas as part of a more general framework or theory? We attempt to answer these questions while we read in the form of atomic notes. These notes serve to compress important ideas spread over many pages, chapters, or even entire books into single notes. Since these notes are at most a couple of paragraphs long, we must find a way to express an idea fully that economizes on the space used. This act of compression makes us focus on the aspects of incoming information that make it easier to remember, make it meaningful, and connect it to what we already know. After all, [[Learning is compression and compression is connection]]. --- # References [[How to take smart notes_ one simple technique to boost writing, learning and thinking]]