Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1226IR // #c1226Verbatim excerpt
"I only do what is easy. I only write when I immediately know how to do it. If I falter for a moment, I put the matter aside and do something else."

— Source: How to Take Smart Notes (Sönke Ahrens)

[Use when]

You're grinding on one blocked task and could be moving another forward.

[Why it matters]

Luhmann's statement sounds lazy until you see the system behind it. With dozens of open threads in the slip-box, there was always another task he knew how to do, so getting stuck on one never stopped the work.

Filed under situations:When you’re stuck and running on emptyWhen you’re building the thing, not just planning it

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Same situation, different book

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