Have you ever wondered how prolific authors like Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene produce incredible amounts of work?
They turn their reading into a writing practice using a system called a Zettelkasten, or a “Slip Box.”
Big ideas:
- Don’t just highlight in a book, think while you read. Record your thoughts with your highlights.
- Organize your notes by topic.
- Look for clusters and complete arguments as clusters form. Fill the gaps with your own thoughts.
- Compile your clusters into completed texts.
Ahrens covers a broad range of topics on thinking well, learning, constructing arguments, and developing creative habits with a system in this little gem.
Some of the software recommendations are dated or there are better alternatives, but this is a system that can be used with note cards — technology is optional.
Think more clearly, learn better. Interact with your reading. Turn into a writer by reading the best of what others have shared.