# THE ZETTELKASTEN MANIFESTO | What is a Zettelkasten?

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## Metadata
- Author: [[Zettlr]]
- Full Title: THE ZETTELKASTEN MANIFESTO | What is a Zettelkasten?
- Category: #articles
- Document Tags: [[notetaking]] 
- URL: https://www.zettlr.com/post/what-is-a-zettelkasten
- Archive: https://web-archive.alecodes.page/bookmarks?bf=1&search=&title=THE%20ZETTELKASTEN%20MANIFESTO%20%7C%20What%20is%20a%20Zettelkasten%3F

> [!note]
> This is the definitive explanation of a Zettlelkasten
> [!tldr]
> Website traffic analytics show high interest in the Zettelkasten method, which is a knowledge management system. Users seek simple answers to complex problems of managing knowledge effectively. Structuring notes and self-reflection are key components of creating a personalized Zettelkasten system.

## Highlights
We live in a society that likes a dead-simple approach to problems; one solution each. But a Zettelkasten evades this 21st-century mindset. A Zettelkasten is a multitude of different approaches to a common problem — the problem of knowledge management. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j60nacy93812ptm2c0fh226q))

there is not *the* Zettelkasten approach — but one for every human being living on this planet. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62awnqp75y0p29mgp8werra)) [[notetaking]] 

It does not help to copy a workflow by a different person, because a Zettelkasten must at all costs reflect the working habits of the person using it. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62b22nehaew7g0y0g2cw3fg))

The first thing you must respect when beginning to structure your knowledge is exactly that: a certain structure. This is what people like us can explain to you and help you with. But the second thing is where you are completely on your own: self reflection. __To manage your knowledge, you have to know how you work__. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62b418gmqzv0j2ng9wg4pw6)) [[favorite]] 

The structure of a Zettelkasten is fairly easy described: It's a database. It is simply a place where you file your knowledge in a semi-structured way. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62hpbfbv82tkf6kq9b3ddef))

The more important part of a Zettelkasten therefore is self reflection. You need to be constantly on the watch for how *you* work. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62hsdeyxwtxf429t43ve5rb))

Do not listen too much to too specific advises on how to start a Zettelkasten. Just start and use the structure *you* need. And stop reading tutorials on Zettelkästen. [View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j62hvprnrb55xhvd525v03ww))

