Tools for Thinking

I've been thinking a lot about the tools we use to think. Not just software, but any medium that helps us process and organize information.

The invisible tool

The best tools share a common trait: they get out of the way. A well-designed notebook doesn't make you think about the notebook. A good text editor doesn't make you think about the editor.

When a tool demands your attention, it's failing at its job.

What makes a good thinking tool

A few qualities I look for:

• Speed -- the gap between thought and capture should be zero
• Simplicity -- fewer features, fewer decisions, fewer distractions
• Flexibility -- it should adapt to how you think, not the other way around
• Durability -- plain text outlasts every proprietary format

My current setup

I keep it simple:

• A plain text editor for writing
• Markdown for formatting
• A folder of files for organization
• Version control for history

No databases. No sync conflicts. No subscription fees. Just files.

The trap

The trap is optimizing the system instead of using it. I've fallen into it more times than I'd like to admit. Tweaking templates, reorganizing folders, trying new apps.

The tool that works is the one you actually use. Everything else is procrastination in disguise.