Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1232IR // #c1232Synthesis

"Luhmann states as clearly as possible: it is not possible to think systematically without writing (Luhmann 1992, 53)."

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

[Use when]

You're about to make a decision you've only reasoned through in your head.

[Why it matters]

Ahrens pairs this with Kahneman's description of the brain as "a machine for jumping to conclusions." Writing an argument out makes its gaps visible in a way that thinking it through in your head does not.

Filed under situations:When your picture of things might be wrongWhen you must decide and the facts aren’t in

More from How to Take Smart Notes

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Same situation, different book

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