Hi Reader,

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Happy Thursday! Last week we started a new series about the Zettelkasten note-taking method, which emphasizes connection and inspired the bidirectional linking of programs like Obsidian and Roam Research. Over the course of the next few weeks, I'm going to share how I'm implementing the principles of Zettelkasten.

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Quick disclaimer: There is no "right" or "wrong" way to take notes, and there's no right or wrong way to use Obsidian. I've been interested in learning more about Zettelkasten, and I believe it's largely misunderstood, so I decided to try it for myself and share the process with you. If it doesn't work for you, that's ok!

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Today I want to share Luhmann's 3 types of notes. Each serves its own purpose, but understanding the difference between them will help us understand how Zettelkasten works:

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Zettelkasten 101: The 3 Types of Notes

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1. "Fleeting" notes

These are the quick thoughts or ideas you need to jot down immediately so as not to forget them. In How to Take Smart Notes, Sonke Ahrens describes fleeting notes as "reminders of information." At this early stage, there's no pressure to use full sentences or put it into your own words.

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It's what we do with our fleeting notes that matters...

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2. Literature notes

These notes summarize your thoughts on a particular text. A "literature" note is tied to its source material. Luhmann saved these notes separately, in a reference system which was meant to save his bibliographic sources.

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But keep in mind that these are not permanent notes...

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3. Permanent notes

These are the notes that are added to your Zettelkasten, written in complete sentences and in your own words. Maybe this sounds intimidating, but it doesn't need to be an essay. In fact, we're meant to add only one idea per note. The point here is that your permanent notes capture an independent thought that elaborates on the source rather than summarizes it.

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This breakdown has helped me better understand what belongs in my Zettelkasten, and what doesn't. Now I know why my Obsidian notes often feel cluttered or unorganized; it's because I've often used my Obsidian vault to capture "fleeting" notes, when the Zettelkasten method calls for a more thoughtful approach.

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Now, I understand that it's OK to capture thoughts and ideas elsewhere - anywhere, really - the Notes app on my phone, or on a post-it-note, or scribbled in a journal at my desk. The key is to "process" these notes. I have to elaborate on those fleeting thoughts and put them into my own words in the form of a permanent note that lives inside my Zettelkasten.

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BUT! Let's not forget about Obsidian's handy "daily note." This is a great place to capture your "fleeting" notes, so long as you return to them at the end of the day to process them and decide which merits a permanent note.

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I hope this helps! Have a question about Zettelkasten? Hit "reply" to send me a message! I'd love to answer your questions in the coming emails.

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Sincerely,

Brooke H