Key insights

• ⭐ Taking smart notes, like Da Vinci and Luhmann, is an effective way to retain and understand information
• 📝 Smart notes are active, involving restructuring and applicable to various subjects
• 🔍 Q/E/C note-taking method is introduced by Professor Newport for questions, evidence, and conclusions
• 📚 Structure notes based on questions, evidence, and conclusions, and use symbols for atomic notes
• 🔗 Atomic notes allow 3D thinking and flexible connections, emphasized by Charlie Munger and Zettelkasten
• 🧭 Develop new ideas using the Zettelkasten compass, connecting to existing ones
• ⚙️ Applying systems thinking to habit formation and societal issues
• ⚖️ Systems are necessary for success, breaking bad habits, and tackling larger societal issues

Q&A

• How can systems thinking be helpful in habit formation and addressing societal issues?

  Systems thinking is essential for habit formation and goal achievement. It allows for troubleshooting, breaking bad habits, and solving larger societal issues such as diversity and climate change. While goal setting is important, systems thinking is necessary for success in the long term.

• How can I develop new ideas effectively?

  New ideas can be developed by connecting them to existing ones using the Zettelkasten compass, which includes the directions North, West, East, and South. For instance, this method can be applied to the idea from Atomic Habits about focusing on systems instead of goals.

• What is the benefit of taking atomic notes?

  Taking atomic notes involves structuring based on questions, evidence, and conclusions, and focusing on the size of the notes. It enables a different thinking process from traditional linear methods, allowing for 3D thinking and connected smart notes, as emphasized by Charlie Munger and the Zettelkasten method.

• What is the Q/E/C note-taking method?

  The Q/E/C note-taking method, introduced by Professor Newport from Georgetown University, involves identifying questions, evidence, and conclusions in the material being studied. It is applicable to various subjects and assists in organizing and restructuring notes.

• How can I effectively retain and understand information while reading?

  Highlighting and underlining while reading may create an illusion of learning. It's more effective to take smart notes, following the methods of successful individuals like Da Vinci and Luhmann. Smart notes are active, follow the Q/E/C note-taking method (Question, Evidence, Conclusion), and can be applied to various subjects.

• 00:00 Highlighting and underlining when reading can create an illusion of competence; taking smart notes, like Da Vinci and Luhmann, is a better way to retain and understand information.
• 01:15 Smart notes are active, follow Q/E/C note-taking method, applicable to various subjects. Professor Newport from Georgetown University introduced Q/E/C method for identifying questions, evidence, and conclusions.
• 02:27 Taking smart and atomic notes involves structuring based on questions, evidence, and conclusions, and focusing on the size of the notes. It enables thinking differently from traditional linear methods.
• 03:35 Taking atomic notes allows for 3D thinking and connected smart notes, as discussed by Charlie Munger and the Zettelkasten method.
• 04:40 Develop new ideas by connecting them to existing ones using the Zettelkasten compass. Example: the idea of focusing on systems instead of goals from Atomic Habits.
• 05:52 Applying systems thinking to habit formation can help troubleshoot and reach goals. Goal setting is important, but systems are necessary for success. Systems thinking can also help break bad habits and solve larger societal issues like diversity and climate change.