Simple examples of Zettelkasten (slip box) notes method?

February 27, 2020 2:35 PM

I recently have been reading about the zettelkasten (slip box) notetaking method used by Niklas Luhmann. I like the idea because I've often struggled with some of problems that this method seems to tackle: maintaining connections between what I'm reading and learning now and other things that I've encountered before. I've found a few resources, including a book and some other online resources, as well as downloading some software, but I'm still having a lot of trouble understanding the method. Is there a really simple explanation out there, preferably with lots of actual examples?

I think I understand (but maybe I don't!) that

1. You take rough, disposable notes while you are reading
2. At the end of the day, you "process" those notes into new notes that are approximate actual sentences

But I'm confused about how to start to build up connections between notes using the number/letter system, which seems like the whole point of the system.

Can any recommend some real "explain like I'm 5" resources? Anyone with personal experience who can talk about how they implemented the system?

posted by synecdoche to Writing & Language (3 answers total)

Have you seen this post on it from lesswrong.com?
posted by brainmouse at 3:01 PM on February 27, 2020 [3 favorites]

Not sure it's a rabbit-hole you want to go down, but Robert Pirsig, in Lila, shows his character Phaedrus using this system to deal with the torrent of thoughts he was having about various topics.
posted by Bron at 9:10 AM on March 1, 2020 [1 favorite]

You might want to compare the C2 Wiki entries on CRC Cards, and index card systems more generally (including managing cards). Here is the Underlying OOPSLA '98 paper.

The logistics for the 1992 Gulf War were managed with an index card stack.
posted by snuffleupagus at 5:56 AM on March 5, 2020 [1 favorite]