Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1212IR // #c1212Synthesis

"Do not brainstorm for a topic. Look into the slip-box instead to see where chains of notes have developed and ideas have been built up to clusters."

— In our words · Source: How to Take Smart Notes (Sönke Ahrens)

[Use when]

You need to choose your next project, essay or product idea and are staring at a blank page.

[Why it matters]

A topic chosen by brainstorming starts with nothing behind it. A cluster of notes shows where your interest and material already are, so the project starts half-researched.

Filed under situations:When it’s day one and nothing exists yetWhen you’re building the thing, not just planning it

More from How to Take Smart Notes

#c1208"The trick is that he did not organise his notes by topic, but in the rather abstract way of giving them fixed numbers. The numbers bore no…Your files or notes are sorted into categories that no longer match how you actually think about the work. #c1209"By restricting ourselves to one format, we also restrict ourselves to just one idea per note and force ourselves to be as precise and…You're building a library of ideas, research or reusable material and want the pieces to combine later. #c1210"Write exactly one note for each idea and write as if you were writing for someone else: Use full sentences, disclose your sources, make…You're capturing anything you expect to use in writing, a pitch or a decision months from now.

Same situation, different book

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