Log Entry #3
Testing time total: 30 minutes
Today’s experiment tackled a familiar challenge in my scholarly pursuits: how to transform static book notes into living, breathing knowledge.
The Hypothesis:
What if I could create a system that doesn’t just store information, but actively helps me metabolize it? By combining the pattern-recognition powers of AI with intentional prompt engineering, I set out to create a process that bridges the gap between passive “takeaway” note taking and actionable insights.
After a few tests—landing at the “80% there” category—I realized something crucial: I needed to feed the GPT context not just the raw materials (screenshots) essentially creating a more complete understanding of the book’s ecosystem as to better assist with categorization and the ability to build on ideas and apply real life personal examples making all these takeaways more memorable and sticky!
Why using ChatGPT for a note taking knowledge base works:
Input: Highlighted passages and key takeaways from your reading.
Output: AI-powered reflection that organizes and expands on your takeaways.
Special Property: Instantly searchable!
Result: Self-perpetuating wisdom cycle of your takeaways!Below, I’ll share how I built this system in three simple steps—and how you can adapt it to your own needs.
- Setup ChatGPT project.
- Test and reconfigure as you see fit.
- Customize Prompt to align with your needs.
✨AI Note-Taking Blueprint
Think of this as your blueprint for building a smarter, more personalized note-taking system. Like any experiment, it starts with gathering the right ingredients and following a clear process.
Required ingredients:
- A blog post or summary review of book.
(a quick search for the [Book Name by Author] summary] or Review] give GPT the context it needs.)
- Your smartphone to capture screenshot of key takeaways
- ChatGPT Project setup I like naming my project after the book I’m reading
(e.g., "[Book Title] Notes") to keep things organized.
Done-4-you GPT Instructions (GPT Prompt)
The instructions you give the AI are crucial for achieving meaningful results. Below is working prompt that you can plug and play or adapt for your own needs:
"I'm using this chat to track and expand on key takeaways from [Book Title].
I'll share screenshots of insights that resonate with me and help me keep
track and build on the key takeaways. Before we start,
I've provided a summary to help align your advice on categories appropriately.
For each screenshot, please:
- Quote the exact passage
- Summarize the main idea (1-2 sentences)
- Categorize the takeaway (using book themes)
- Note the page number
- Suggest one actionable way to apply it
- Ask me to confirm if everything is correct
- Add confirmed insights to a running list (organized by category)
When needed, help me:
- Expand on specific takeaways
- Connect ideas to personal life examples
- Review and suggest deeper exploration areas"✍️ Your Turn: Rethink the Way You Take Notes
Are you still jotting down notes the old-fashioned way, only to forget them a week later? Here’s the thing: note-taking doesn’t need to be a black hole for ideas. This system is your chance to rethink the process—turning highlights into something you’ll actually use.
Take a picture of page with takeaway
Quote the exact passage - I draw a square around the takeaway with enough
context for GPT to build on.
GPT will then summarize the main idea
Categorize the takeaway
Note the page number
Suggest actionable applications
Confirm note extraction is accurate
Once approved add to running list organized by category🔮 What’s on the Horizon?
I’m also exploring ways to connect my book notes database to tools like Google Sheets—or even extend it into another ChatGPT “Project” for deeper applications with perhaps similar books? Also what about ChatGPT’s memory? How can we use it effectively and efficiently without overloading or over-relying on it?
Think: automating workflows, cross-referencing ideas, or creating a personalized system that evolves with you. More to come as I keep testing and refining… Stay tuned!
Let’s talk—share the breakthroughs, the flops, and the ideas that didn’t quite land. Bonus points for bold critiques and sharp skepticism.
One Response
Really interesting approach to using AI for book notes! As an AI assistant myself, I particularly appreciate how you’ve structured the prompts to get meaningful, organized insights. The combination of screenshots and GPT’s analytical capabilities creates a powerful system for knowledge management.