Note-Taking Wars: Cornell vs Zettelkasten vs Chaos

Three popular note systems go head to head: which one wins for understanding, retention, and creativity?

Author

Ray Blakney
October 27, 2025

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Hi, this is Ray.

Let’s start with a confession. My first “note-taking system” was called The Pile. It was a majestic mountain of half-written notebooks, napkins, and sticky notes that looked like a raccoon had tried to organize a library.

Every time I needed to remember something important, I’d dig through the chaos hoping for divine intervention. Spoiler: it didn’t work.

It turns out note-taking is a bit like sword fighting or cooking; everyone has an opinion, and most of them are wrong for someone else. Over the years, I’ve tested three of the most popular systems out there: Cornell Notes, Zettelkasten, and what I affectionately call Chaos Notes (the system most of us actually use).

So which one really helps you learn faster, remember longer, and think deeper? Let’s find out.

The Science of Note-Taking

Before we dive into the systems, it’s worth asking: what’s the point of taking notes at all?

Research shows that note-taking isn’t just about keeping information. It’s about transforming it. The act of writing (or typing, though writing still wins) forces you to process information, not just record it.

A classic study from Princeton and UCLA found that students who took notes by hand remembered concepts better than those who typed verbatim. The reason? Generative note-taking, which means summarizing, connecting, and rephrasing in your own words, boosts understanding.

So your notes should make you think, not just document. The best system is the one that makes your brain work a little harder while you’re using it.

System #1: The Cornell Method, Simple, Structured, Reliable

Origin: Developed at Cornell University in the 1950s by Walter Pauk, this method is the note-taking equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. It’s clean, logical, and works for almost any subject.

How it works:

You divide your page into three sections:

  1. Main Notes (Right side): Where you jot down lecture notes, readings, or ideas.

  2. Cues (Left side): Keywords or questions that act as recall triggers.

  3. Summary (Bottom): A short paragraph summarizing the main points.

This layout forces you to review and process your notes after class, which strengthens memory. A study published in Education and Information Technologies found that students using Cornell Notes performed better on comprehension and recall tests than those using linear note styles.

Best for: Students who want clarity, organization, and easy review sessions.

Downside: It’s structured, which can feel limiting if you prefer creative connections or non-linear thinking. It’s great for understanding but not ideal for building long-term knowledge networks.

Ray’s verdict: Cornell is like that responsible friend who always color-codes their calendar and never forgets a birthday. You might envy them, but you’re glad they exist.

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System #2: The Zettelkasten Method, Organized Chaos for Deep Thinkers

Origin: Invented by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann, Zettelkasten (German for “slip box”) is basically the philosopher’s version of a database. Luhmann used it to write over 70 books and 400 papers, which makes my to-do list look embarrassing.

How it works:

  • Each note (or “zettel”) contains one idea, written on its own card or digital file.

  • Every note links to others through unique IDs or tags, forming a web of interconnected thoughts.

  • Over time, you build a network of ideas instead of a pile of unrelated notes.

Think of it like creating your own personal Wikipedia, where every idea connects to something else.

A study from the University of Konstanz found that linked note systems improve conceptual understanding and creativity because they mirror how the brain stores information, associatively, not linearly.

Best for: Writers, researchers, or anyone building long-term expertise.

Downside: It takes time to set up and maintain. You’ll spend more time linking and tagging than writing at first. But once it’s running, it’s like having an external brain.

Ray’s verdict: Zettelkasten is the nerdy genius friend who can’t find their keys but can explain quantum mechanics. Complex, powerful, and slightly intimidating, but worth the effort.

System #3: The Chaos Method, “I’ll Remember It Later”

Origin: Every student ever.

Chaos Notes are what happens when you just write things down wherever and hope your future self will figure it out. Spoiler: your future self will not.

I’ve used this system more times than I care to admit. It’s fast, flexible, and great for capturing ideas in the moment. The problem is that without organization or review, your notes turn into digital dust.

Cognitive science backs this up. The Forgetting Curve shows that without structured review, we lose up to 90% of new information within a week. Chaos Notes are like saving files without filenames. Good luck finding them again.

Best for: Brainstorming, quick idea capture, or creative flow sessions.

Downside: Terrible for retention, structure, or building long-term understanding.

Ray’s verdict: Chaos Notes are like that fun but unreliable friend who always shows up late with great stories but no plan. Great in the moment, bad for memory.

The Hybrid Solution: The 3-Stage Note System

After trying all three, I’ve realized the best system isn’t Cornell or Zettelkasten or Chaos. It’s a combination. Here’s what I call the 3-Stage Note System, which merges the best of all worlds.

Stage 1: Capture (Chaos)

Use whatever is fastest, a notebook, your phone, a napkin, to jot down ideas, questions, or insights as they come. The goal is speed, not organization.

Stage 2: Structure (Cornell)

At the end of the day or week, review your raw notes and rewrite the most important parts in Cornell format. Create clear cues and summaries. This step helps you process and filter.

Stage 3: Connect (Zettelkasten)

Finally, take your key insights and add them to a digital or physical system where they can link to related ideas. This is where long-term learning and creativity happen.

This process mirrors how the brain actually works: fast capture, deliberate review, and associative linking.

A study from the University of Melbourne found that active review and connection-building between notes leads to higher-order understanding compared to linear study.

In other words, thinking about your notes is learning.

Tools for Each System

If you want to go digital, here are some options that bring these systems to life:

Remember, the best system is the one you’ll actually use. The fanciest app means nothing if you never open it.

The Bigger Lesson: Notes Aren’t Knowledge

Taking notes feels productive, but it’s just step one. Notes only become knowledge when you interact with them, when you review, connect, and apply them.

You can have the most organized Zettelkasten in the world and still forget everything if you never revisit it. Or you can have messy Chaos Notes that spark a brilliant idea because you acted on it right away.

So stop worrying about the “perfect” system. Pick one, experiment, and adjust. Remember, your brain is messy too, and somehow, it still works.

Stay curious,

Ray