A starter reading note, without a book or article attached yet.
A summary asks, “What does this say?” A response adds, “What does this bring to mind?” Both can have a place on the same page.
A few lines to leave behind
- The idea: a short explanation in your own words.
- The connection: another note, experience, or question it touches.
- The friction: something you disagree with or do not yet understand.
- The source: enough detail to find the original again.
If the response grows into a thought of its own, give it a separate note and link the two.
A question for the next visit
What would make this idea easier to use, or harder to believe?
That question belongs alongside the summary. It is part of keeping curiosity specific.
For a film, image, or recording, try noticing before naming as another way in.