### Transcript In the past, to manage our files, we had a rigid folder-only system. As files became faster, we started calling them notes. Now, instead of mainly relying on folders, many of us rely more on links. That’s because the rigid folder-only system we all grew up with is stunting our ability to deftly, to masterfully, work with our knowledge. Link-based notes allow us to do just that. So how can we become more masterful at using links? I believe it helps tremendously to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. As we use links, interesting patterns start to form. These patterns follow “Systems Thinking” and jive with terms like “emergence, divergence, and convergence.” So, in essence, Link-based notes follow the rules of Systems Theory. Before jumping into “Idea Emergence” let’s define the terms of Systems Thinking. **Emergence** refers to the existence or formation of collective behaviors — what parts of a system do together that they would not do alone. To quickly understand this amazing concept, I try to dumb it down and say “Emergence is adding complexity.” Or “Emergence is when the new whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” If I was alone in a room, but now I am talking with friends, we are at a higher level of complexity. - Me alone equals Emergence Level 1 - Me with friends equals Emergence Level 2 I said “Complexity” so let’s define that: **Complexity** is basically how many units of information we’re looking at in a given system. In this case, the more links, the more complexity. **Divergence** is basically when things become unique. **Convergence** is basically when things become unified. There’s more to it than that, but that’s all the primer we need. PS: Throughout this unit, we’ll balance “theory” with “practice”. Getting more reps, tacking back and forth—theory-practice-theory-practice—several times, will allow us to become skilled in this form of thinking.