Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1230IR // #c1230Synthesis

"The structure of an argument is part of it and therefore will change during the process of developing it – it is not a vessel to be filled with content."

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

[Use when]

You've locked a plan or outline early and the material keeps fighting it.

[Why it matters]

Ahrens keeps a separate outline for each project and expects it to change until late. Once it stops changing much, he calls it a table of contents, and chapters can still move at the very end.

Filed under situations:When you’re building the thing, not just planning it

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