Lost in the Labyrinth: A Critical Look at Antinet Zettelkasten
The Antinet Zettelkasten promises a revolutionary approach to knowledge management, but a closer look reveals a familiar face: the classic Zettelkasten by Niklas Luhmann. Does the Antinet offer anything truly new to the Zettelkasten table, or is it simply a reheated version of a classic? Before you rush out and buy a stack of notecards, let’s take a closer look.
The Antinet Zettelkasten is an analog (paper-based) note-taking system built on four principles:
1. Analog (Physical Materials)
- Imagine you’re reading a book about psychology and come across a concept related to memory.
- You write down a brief explanation of the concept on a notecard (3" x 5" is a common size).
- This physical act of writing reinforces the idea in your mind (neuro-imprinting).
2. Numeric-Alpha (Unique Addresses)
- You assign a unique address to the notecard, like “4521/M17.”
- “4521” could be a general category for “Cognitive Processes,” and “M17” could be a sequential number for the 17th note in that category.
- This allows you to reference other related notes. For example, if you later encounter information about different types of memory, you can create another notecard with an address like “4521.1/M18” (sub-category) and link it back to the first card using “See 4521/M17” on the new card.
3. Tree (Hierarchical Structure)
- By linking related notes, you build a tree-like structure. The category number (“4521”) acts like the trunk, sub-categories (“4521.1”) become branches, and individual notes (“M17” & “M18”) become the leaves.
- This structure allows you to visualize connections and navigate your knowledge base easily.
4. Index (Searchable List)
- Maintain a separate index on notecards or a notebook.
- In the index, list keywords or topics (e.g., “Memory”) and corresponding notecard addresses (e.g., “4521/M17”).
- This allows you to quickly find specific notes without needing to remember their exact address or retrace your steps through the tree structure.
What’s New (or Different) with Antinet?
While the Antinet touts the “magic” of analog note-taking for sparking creativity, the core functionality feels like a retread. It emphasizes the value of physical notecards and the “rough structure” they create. Sure, the core principles borrowed from Luhmann’s Zettelkasten are sound: unique note addresses, hierarchical organization, and a searchable index. But, where’s the innovation? The emphasis seems to be on the feel of the system rather than offering any groundbreaking functionalities.
Scott Scheper, in his ‘Antinet Zettelkasten’ book, spends an excessive amount of time establishing himself as the ultimate authority, evident in his excessive self-promotion. He consistently emphasizes his extensive reading, insinuating that others haven’t done their due diligence. This self-congratulatory tone, coupled with a ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ attitude, can be quite off-putting, particularly when his interpretations of the Zettelkasten system diverge from its original concepts. Moreover, his criticism of others for picking and choosing elements of the Zettelkasten seems hypocritical, as he himself discards certain aspects of Luhmann’s system without adequate justification. Additionally, his silence regarding the potentially non-free ‘Neo-Intellectual Institute’ further adds to a sense of inauthenticity.
Scheper’s ‘Antinet Zettelkasten’ book suffers from excessive verbosity, with simple points stretched across multiple chapters, leaving readers feeling like they’re slogging through intellectual quicksand. Furthermore, the book is rife with hypocrisy, as Scheper criticizes others who ‘sell you stuff’ on note-taking methods while essentially promoting his own book for the same purpose, without acknowledging the promotional emails surrounding its launch.”
Enter Cornell: A Practical Alternative
While the Antinet focuses heavily on the “thinking” aspect of the Zettelkasten, the Cornell note-taking method offers a more practical approach.
The Cornell method divides a single page into sections: cues, notes, and summary. This structure encourages active learning and critical thinking while taking notes. Here’s how it shines in comparison:
- Versatility: The Cornell method works well in both digital and analog formats. You can use note-taking apps or simply divide a regular notebook page.
- Focus and Organization: The dedicated sections guide you to capture key points, questions, and summaries, promoting a clearer understanding of the material.
- Adaptability: Whether you’re in a lecture, brainstorming ideas, or summarizing a book, the Cornell method can be easily adapted to different learning scenarios.
Cornelkasten: A marriage between Zettlekaten and Cornell Method
Cornelkasten is a system that combines the atomic note-taking principles of Zettelkasten with the active learning framework of the Cornell Method. Imagine capturing fleeting ideas during lectures or reading, then transforming them into powerful, interconnected notes while utilizing the Cornell sections for deeper engagement with the material.
For those who prefer the Cornelkasten approach to note-taking, consider exploring Cornelkasten Notebook.
Whether you’re a seasoned learner or just starting your academic journey, the Cornelkasten offers a promising approach. It provides a structured framework for capturing information, encourages active engagement with the material, and facilitates the creation of a well-organized and interconnected knowledge base. Here’s to continuous innovation in learning methods — the Cornelkasten is a delicious dish indeed!
The Takeaway: Building on the Foundation
For most learners, the practicality and flexibility of digital tools combined with a structured approach like Cornell provides a more efficient and well-rounded solution. Perhaps the true value of the Zettlekasten lies in its emphasis on the “thinking” aspect. It serves as a reminder that regardless of the chosen method (digital or analog), actively engaging with the material and fostering connections between ideas is key to effective learning.
