Personal paraphrasing principle¶
The Personal paraphrasing principle is a core guideline in knowledge management, particularly within the Zettelkasten methodology. It asserts that note-takers should articulate ideas in their own language rather than mechanically duplicating source text^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md].
Core Principle¶
The principle explicitly forbids the practice of simple "copy-pasting"^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md]. Instead, it mandates that one should "explain in own words" (用自己的話解釋) when recording a note^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md]. By rephrasing content, the note-taker transforms information into a personal context, serving to deepen understanding and aid in long-term retention^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md].
Application¶
In a Zettelkasten system, this principle is applied alongside other standards—such as Atomic note principle and the recording of [[Literature note]]s—to ensure high-quality knowledge accumulation^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md]. It compels the author to actively process source material, ensuring the resulting note is a unique synthesis of the original idea rather than a static replica^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md]. It is closely related to the practice of adding [[Self想法|Self想法]] (one's own thoughts) to notes^[300-閱讀筆記__Zettelkasten.md].