My Zettelkasten Experiment

I don't usually write blog posts. In fact, I don’t even know who might be interested in reading this. But after a month of wrestling with the Zettelkasten method, I feel compelled to share my thoughts. I stumbled upon this note-taking technique through a YouTube recommendation, and as someone with a notoriously bad memory and a perpetual struggle with note-taking, I was instantly intrigued. What caught my eye was the claim that Zettelkasten is the *best* method out there.

Curious, I dove into the world of Zettelkasten. The concept seemed straightforward: jot down every fleeting idea, create atomic notes, and link them together using Obsidian. I watched endless YouTube videos, particularly Vicky Zhao’s enlightening take, and envisioned a magical transformation in my note-taking for my Economics major at university.

However, what started as excitement quickly turned into a realization that Zettelkasten might not be the Holy Grail for me. Let me walk you through my journey and why I think this method might not be the best fit for academic Economics.

The Allure of Zettelkasten

For those not in the know, Zettelkasten is a note-taking and knowledge management system that focuses on breaking down information into small, interconnected notes—'atomic notes'—that can be linked in various ways to build a comprehensive web of knowledge. The idea is that by doing this, you can generate new insights and make connections that you might not have otherwise noticed.

When I first encountered it, I thought, “Finally! A solution to my memory woes!” The promise of neatly organizing my thoughts and ideas seemed like a dream come true. I envisioned a streamlined, interconnected network of knowledge where each note was a tiny piece of a grand puzzle.

The Reality Check

Here’s where things took a turn. As I began attempting to integrate Zettelkasten into my study routine, several issues became apparent:

1. Time Crunch: With exams fast approaching, the last thing I needed was a new, complex system to master. I was already juggling multiple subjects, extracurriculars, and the general chaos of university life. The idea of pausing to convert every piece of information into an atomic note seemed impractical.

2. Economic Complexity: Economics, as a field, is dense with equations, models, and graphs. Unlike literature or self-help books, where ideas might be more abstract and easier to distill into concise notes, Economics demands a different approach. Take something like the Harrod-Domar growth model—this isn’t just an idea; it’s a comprehensive concept involving assumptions, equations, and applications. Breaking it down into 'atomic notes' felt like an oversimplification.

3. Subject-Specific Challenges: Zettelkasten seems to shine in fields like literature, computer science, and other text-heavy disciplines. These areas often deal with concepts that can be easily fragmented and linked. Economics, however, is less about abstract ideas and more about concrete models and quantitative analysis. The method felt somewhat out of sync with the nature of my coursework.

The Verdict

So, does Zettelkasten have a place in academic Economics? For me, it didn’t quite fit. The method's strength in handling abstract, interconnected ideas clashes with the more structured and quantitative nature of Economics. While Zettelkasten might be a fantastic tool for managing literature notes or exploring conceptual theories, it didn’t offer the same value for the complex, equation-driven material I was dealing with.

That said, this isn’t a blanket dismissal of Zettelkasten. For those studying fields that align with its strengths, it’s a revolutionary tool. But if you’re knee-deep in Economics equations, models, and graphs, it might not be the best fit.

While Zettelkasten holds immense promise for many, it’s important to evaluate its applicability based on your specific needs and field of study. As for me, I’ll be looking for other note-taking methods better suited to handling the intricate details of Economics. If you have any recommendations or insights, I’d love to hear them!