Source extraction of the idea 2025-07-19_13-08

This approach modifies incremental reading 2025-01-20_22-25 by splitting information extraction into two distinct phases.

Phase 1: Distillation

What: Extract information from sources using DEVONthink

• Highlight and annotate key passages
• Gather summaries and quotes
• Focus on capturing, not interpreting

Phase 2: Synthesis

What: Transform extracts into original #Zettelkasten notes

• Connect ideas to existing notes
• Develop personal insights
• Create permanent notes with AI assistance

OmniFocus Integration

• Distill tag: For tasks about extracting from sources
• Synthesize tag: For developing draft #Zettelkasten notes

This separation enables batch processing of similar work and reduces cognitive load by not mixing extraction with creation. It acknowledges that distillation (understanding) and synthesis (creating) are fundamentally different cognitive activities requiring different mental modes.