# How to Take Smart Notes in Obsidian  ## Metadata - Author: Joshua Duffney - Full Title: How to Take Smart Notes in Obsidian - Category: #note-taking #knowledge-management ## Highlights - Abstraction is the process of taking an idea from its original text and making it usable in a general sense without the support of added context. To abstract an idea you rewrite it in your own words as if you’re writing for someone else who doesn’t have the context of its source. ([Location 95](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=95)) - That’s what is meant by the phrase “atomic” note. Permanent means it's kept forever, but it also means it's permanently understood. Permanent slip-box notes will become your external storage for long-term memory. ([Location 97](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=97)) - You must understand that permanent notes are a result of your OWN thinking, not the captured ideas of others. When taking permanent notes, use your own words and never copy word for word, unless you're capturing a quote. ([Location 98](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=98)) - Note: Permanent notes need to result from your own thoughts - Use note sequences to group notes that support a common idea, argument, or discussion. ([Location 158](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=158)) - Keywords are used to populate the index and should be used sparingly. Never link a single keyword to more than four notes. ([Location 177](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=177)) - choose keywords that answer the questions “How would I retrieve this note? What context would I want to remember this in? and If I forgot this knowledge, what would I search for?” ([Location 186](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=186)) - Encouraging the usage of browsing vs search is one of the primary reasons for the note’s name to remain a unique ID. Browsing brings with it the benefit of serendipity. When you add a new note, then connect it to previously take notes you are given the opportunity to examine previous lines of thought long since forgotten and temporarily reload it into short-term memory. ([Location 213](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0B9R1BG72&location=213)) - When crafting note sequences they need to be a continuous thought, idea, argument, or discussion