All Notes Project Overview
Updated March 21, 2025

Extracting Topics and Entities for Atomic Notes

Purpose

This prompt helps identify key concepts, entities, and relationships from source materials and transform them into well-structured atomic notes that can be cross-referenced within a knowledge graph.

Use Cases

  • Creating a network of interconnected atomic notes from articles, books, or papers
  • Transforming unstructured content into structured knowledge units
  • Consolidating duplicate or similar notes into cohesive entries
  • Building a comprehensive personal knowledge base with proper linking

Prompt Template

I'd like you to analyze [SOURCE MATERIALS] and help me extract key concepts into atomic notes for my knowledge base. For each significant topic or entity identified, please:

1. Create a properly formatted atomic note using the following structure:

updated: [CURRENT_DATE] created: [CURRENT_DATE]

[TOPIC NAME]

[CONCISE DEFINITION - 1-2 sentences explaining the concept]

[SECTION HEADING 1]

[CONTENT ORGANIZED IN PARAGRAPHS OR BULLET POINTS]

[SECTION HEADING 2]

[CONTENT ORGANIZED IN PARAGRAPHS OR BULLET POINTS]

… additional sections as needed …

Connections

References

  • [REFERENCE_1]
  • [REFERENCE_2]

2. When creating these notes:
- Use consistent metadata formatting with date in ISO format (YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss.sssZ)
- Ensure each note focuses on a single concept (atomic principle)
- Write in a neutral, informational tone
- Create appropriate cross-references to other notes using double bracket [LINKS](/labs/digital-ai-twins/notes/links)
- Organize content into logical sections with descriptive headings
- Include 4-6 relevant connections to other topics
- Add credible references where applicable
- Avoid unnecessary introductions or conclusions

3. If you identify overlapping or redundant notes, merge them while preserving all key information and enhancing the structure.

Please identify the most important topics/entities from the source material and create atomic notes for each one.

Guidelines for Customization

Identifying Key Topics

When analyzing source materials, prioritize these elements for extraction:

  • Central Concepts: Primary ideas that organize the content
  • Named Entities: People, organizations, systems, or products mentioned
  • Methodologies: Specific approaches or techniques described
  • Relationships: How different concepts connect to each other
  • Examples: Concrete instances that illustrate abstract concepts
  • Categories: Taxonomies or classification systems presented

Section Development

Each atomic note should include appropriate sections from the following options:

  • Definition/Overview: Always include this section
  • Key Components/Elements: For concepts with distinct parts
  • Historical Context: When development over time is relevant
  • Implementation Examples: For applied concepts
  • Technical Details: For systems or methodologies
  • Ethical Considerations: For concepts with ethical dimensions
  • Comparison to Alternatives: When contrasting approaches is valuable
  • Current Research/Developments: For evolving topics
  • Criticisms/Limitations: For balanced perspective
  • Applications: How the concept is used in practice

Creating Effective Connections

Develop meaningful relationships between notes using these connection types:

  • Is a type of: Hierarchical relationship (child to parent concept)
  • Has types including: Inverse hierarchical relationship
  • Related to: General conceptual connection
  • Contrasts with: Oppositional or alternative approach
  • Implemented in: Where concept is applied
  • Created by: Attribution to creator
  • Featured in: Appearance in works or systems
  • Influenced by/Influences: Causal or impact relationships

Example

Source Material Extract:

Better Living Through Algorithms by Naomi Kritzer is a short story published in Clarkesworld Magazine that explores how an app called Abelique helps a socially anxious woman make decisions and build community. The story takes a nuanced approach to algorithmic influence, suggesting potential benefits while raising questions about autonomy and manipulation.

Resulting Atomic Notes:

  1. Better Living Through Algorithms (story by Naomi Kritzer)
  2. Abelique (fictional AI app in the story)
  3. Algorithmic Decision-Making (concept explored in the story)
  4. Positive AI Fiction (literary genre the story represents)

Each note would follow the structured format with appropriate sections, connections, and references.

Considerations

  • Granularity: Create separate notes for distinct concepts that deserve their own exploration
  • Integration: Ensure new notes connect to your existing knowledge graph
  • Consistency: Maintain consistent formatting and linking conventions
  • Neutrality: Present information objectively while capturing different perspectives
  • Attribution: Always include original sources and references