> [!infobox] <s class="aside-in"><em>mentioned in 12 evergreens</em></s> #### [[Learning how systems work can be a gateway to creating thought]] How we understand a system influences how we use that system, and the systems we have learned in the past influence decisions we make in new systems. A system that gives too much freedom, or too many options, may only reduce your ability to create. ^[this is part of why [[Powerful tools make dangerous toys]]] At some point, you need to find the tool that works best for you and that may be a more restrictive tool like [[Roam Research (software)|Roam Research]], or less restrictive like [[Obsidian (software)|Obsidian]]. Even within these tools, there are many [[systems for thought]] that will influence how you use them. People will often be locked into indecision because their tool is too open, and does not force them into one system. While this can be overwhelming, this customizability can let you make a system that truly reflects how you think. In the end, [[Productivity tools are often most useful in how much work they inspire you to do]], so you should choose the tool that works best for you: [[Choosing a note writing system is choosing a system for thought]] %% #TO/TEND/WATER more about how systems actually teach you %% ##### Counter:: systems create hard rules and [[Hard rules create cognitive bias]] Learning systems can help create thought, but it does so by [[influence|influencing]] thought. This means that if a system is pointing you in the wrong direction it will negatively impact your ability to create and learn. ^[[[The way systems work can create cognitive bias]]] This is why you should [[Prioritize understanding over organization or categorization]]. Here are some thoughts that may guide how you decide on and create your system with creating hard rules: - [[Write your notes with a system not within a system]] - [[Note structures should help curate knowledge]] - [[Friction is a hindrance to learning]] - [[The fragility of information in knowledge management]] ### <hr class="footnote"/> **Status**:: #EVER/GREEN *edited 7:35 AM - July 08, 2022* **Topics**:: [[second brain]], [[note writing]]