Or you can use Obsidian or a similar notes software, where you can search, crosslink, and cross-reference in any way you please.
This not as satisfying as writing on paper. I agree that lines are dehumanizing, and I think visual variety of writing and sketching is good for the soul and for thinking.
But actually finding and using your old notes is also priceless.
This system requires having your laptop handy in most circumstances, but your phone is adequate for brief uses. And it’s easy and free to sync across at least two devices, maybe a little more complex for more.
Yes, there’s a lot lost by not being able to quickly hand-sketch. You can draw on paper and put the photo in but I don’t do that for some reason. But typing or talking is generally faster than handwriting.
And again, actually finding your old notes or thoughts is huge.
I move that we think of paper and notes software as complements. Certainly, notes software is much better for almost any purpose where you’re actually going to be referencing the notes repeatedly. But for the purpose of “make the neurons in your brain fire good”, paper still can’t be beat.
(This post was written by first scribbling on paper and then retyping and editing in, umm, Obsidian.)
Right. The post did inspire me to maybe get a new notebook for the first time in years for that reason.
I’ve been using Obsidian exculsively, but it’s really reduced how much diagramming I do. To me the speed does make up for being forced to write on lines and in a limited number of styles. I haven’t really gotten skilled enough in it to quickly diagram in its editor.
I’m not sure there’s much other advantage to paper for making neurons fire good. I wonder if it puts you into thinking mode based on associations or something? Or if staring at a blank page on which you can write or draw anywhere evokes a more openminded and analytical state for anyone?
It’s kinda clunky but fundamentally I find it incredibly “non-frustrating” compared to all other tools. I guess you can try the editor in your browser here: https://excalidraw.com/
Or you can use Obsidian or a similar notes software, where you can search, crosslink, and cross-reference in any way you please.
This not as satisfying as writing on paper. I agree that lines are dehumanizing, and I think visual variety of writing and sketching is good for the soul and for thinking.
But actually finding and using your old notes is also priceless.
This system requires having your laptop handy in most circumstances, but your phone is adequate for brief uses. And it’s easy and free to sync across at least two devices, maybe a little more complex for more.
Yes, there’s a lot lost by not being able to quickly hand-sketch. You can draw on paper and put the photo in but I don’t do that for some reason. But typing or talking is generally faster than handwriting.
And again, actually finding your old notes or thoughts is huge.
I move that we think of paper and notes software as complements. Certainly, notes software is much better for almost any purpose where you’re actually going to be referencing the notes repeatedly. But for the purpose of “make the neurons in your brain fire good”, paper still can’t be beat.
(This post was written by first scribbling on paper and then retyping and editing in, umm, Obsidian.)
Right. The post did inspire me to maybe get a new notebook for the first time in years for that reason.
I’ve been using Obsidian exculsively, but it’s really reduced how much diagramming I do. To me the speed does make up for being forced to write on lines and in a limited number of styles. I haven’t really gotten skilled enough in it to quickly diagram in its editor.
I’m not sure there’s much other advantage to paper for making neurons fire good. I wonder if it puts you into thinking mode based on associations or something? Or if staring at a blank page on which you can write or draw anywhere evokes a more openminded and analytical state for anyone?
I’d hate to convince you to stop using paper, but I use this Obsidian Excalidraw plugin for making drawings and I find it to be reaaallllly fast: https://github.com/zsviczian/obsidian-excalidraw-plugin
It’s kinda clunky but fundamentally I find it incredibly “non-frustrating” compared to all other tools. I guess you can try the editor in your browser here: https://excalidraw.com/
I installed it and did like one or two test diagrams and then never again. I should get back to it because it did seem good.