Zettelkasten Philosophy

  1. Atomicity: One idea per note.
  2. Autonomy: Self-contained - you can read notes on their own.
  3. Always add topics and links
  4. Spend time connecting notes and building navigation, for example by writing TOC’s (table of contents).
  5. Use your own words if you have the time, but don’t be afraid to collect summaries, notes and quotes.
  6. Keep references.
  7. Don’t worry about structure (develops organically).
  8. Keep files up to date (use git to version them).
  9. Add notes without fear: you can’t have too much notes.

See also the practical zettelkasten formatting rules.