The **principle of atomicity** is a directive of [[notemaking]] to distill an idea into the smallest possible unit. These are popularly referred to as **atomic notes**. An atomic note is 150 words and contains 3-5 principle sources. The purpose is to keep an idea concise enough to be referenced across many interconnected notes, but general enough to be developed into more complex ideas. A complete note represents the [[Creative Tension]] between distinct ideas. It sits between its inspiration and culmination, and between ideas it supports and ideas it refutes. ![[sketch_zettelEssence.png]] Atomic means one note per idea. Precise, clear, and brief. I struggle with the step of translating ideas into my own terms when encountered. I understand that these act as puzzle pieces for developing ideas and arguments, but currently seem to be guided by the mistaken belief that every note needs to be a well-considered essay or full fledged outline. Each atomic should converse with other notes, either by generating questions or by disagreeing. Keywords are often a good indicator of what can become an atomic note.