Zettelkasten is a knowledge management method originally used by Niklas Luhmann. It also refers to a system which follows this method.
The most important properties of zettelkasten are:
- Notes are linked. Each (forward) link should explain why to follow the link in the context, since the zettelkasten will be ‘surfed’ by future self. These links are like hyperlinks
- Notes should be atomic. It only contains one unit of knowledge: principle of atomicity. This is because we link to knowledge, not information.
- zettelkasten is personal. It is formed by the unique mind of a person.