The True Power of Note-Taking\: Beyond Just Recording
I’ve been encouraging taking notes to anyone who wants to seriously improve themselves, but I have to admit that the term “taking notes” is quite misleading.
From traditional pen and paper to digital apps, algorithm-based helpers, and now AI assistants, the act of making a note has never been easier. With just a click, AI can summarize content for us. Yet, I argue that we haven’t progressed as much as it appears because the true value of “taking notes” lies in the thinking process.
To clarify, I believe there are two types or levels of notes. The first type involves recording information you might otherwise forget, such as important dates, numbers, and events. Summarization, which AI excels at, falls into this category by increasing information density. The second type involves logging your thoughts as part of understanding and internalizing information. How often have you found yourself revisiting the same idea or having a sudden memory recall?
While technology continues to evolve and make the mechanics of note-taking more efficient, the essence of why we take notes remains uniquely human. The next time you come across something noteworthy, remember that the power of note-taking is not just in the capturing, but in the contemplating.