Communication

What is the Zettelkasten note-taking system? How is Zettelkasten superior to the traditional note-taking methods? The Zettelkasten (also known as the slip-box) system was invented by Niklas Luhmann, an incredibly productive German sociologist. Not only did Luhmann publish nearly 60 books within his lifetime, but he also has several posthumously-published books to his name—thanks to the ideas he collected within his slip-box.  Keep reading to learn about the origins of Luhmann’s Zettelkasten note-taking method.

What is the best way to take notes? How does the slip-box method encourage you to write at every stage of the creative process? In How to Take Smart Notes, Dr. Sönke Ahrens says that the slip-box method is the superior note-taking system. It enhances your critical thinking and innovative skills which will make you a better writer. Learn more about why the slip-box method is the best way to take notes.

Are your notes scattered all over the place? What is the most effective method for indexing notes? An index is helpful for note-taking because it provides a quick reference to all the notes you’ve ever written. This way, you won’t struggle to find your notes while you’re conducting research. Let’s look at how to index notes using the slip-box method, according to Dr. Sönke Ahrens.

Are you an academic or non-fiction writer? Have you ever sat in front of a blank screen and struggled to write a paper? In How to Take Smart Notes, Sönke Ahrens argues that this happens because traditional, prewriting note-taking methods don’t work—and that you can avoid this issue by using the slip-box system. Slip-box is a method of taking notes and organizing them that fosters the creation and publication of original ideas. Here’s how to take smart notes, according to Sönke Ahrens.