About this Video

• Video Title: Set Up A Knowledge Base in Obsidian | PKM Basics
• Channel: DJ Lensing
• Speakers: DJ Lensing
• Duration: 23:21

Introduction

This video provides a guide on setting up a personal knowledge base (PKM) using Obsidian. It explores the "why" behind using a PKM, discusses tools and methodologies, and offers practical steps for creating and maintaining a knowledge base within Obsidian.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Knowledge Bases: A knowledge base isn't merely a repository of information; it's a dynamic process of gathering, organizing, learning, and sharing knowledge. It’s a place where mistakes are part of progress.
• Choosing the Right Tools: Selecting a note-taking app is crucial. The video emphasizes choosing an app that allows access to your data even if the app ceases to exist, prioritizing control over your files. Obsidian is presented as an example due to its text-file-based storage.
• The Importance of Interests: Focusing on personal interests is key to building a manageable and meaningful knowledge base. Avoid trying to capture everything; instead, concentrate on what truly resonates with you.
• Developing Note-Taking Habits: Establishing daily note-taking helps identify recurring themes and patterns in your thoughts. Linking notes to sources and projects adds structure and purpose.
• Identifying Life Cues: Reflecting on your life's biggest questions ("life cues") provides direction for your PKM and helps filter what information deserves a permanent place in your knowledge base.

The video offers the speaker's own "life cues" as examples: "What do I want? What do I believe? What do I value? How to be free? How to be true? How to be just? Who do I want to be or become?"

These broad questions, the video explains, are not meant to be definitively answered but rather serve as ongoing projects and areas of exploration. They guide the development of a personal knowledge base by providing a framework for filtering information. Only information relevant to these overarching questions and the projects they inspire deserves a permanent place within the knowledge base. The process helps filter out less relevant information from the "flood of everyday information."