The Digital Press

A longtime Emacs user shares their shift to Obsidian for personal knowledge management, balancing power and convenience while reflecting on maintaining independent thinking amid rising AI use.

Why it matters: Emacs offers deep customization but demands maintenance, while Obsidian provides an easier, modern alternative for managing notes and tasks.

The big picture: The author values intentional thought and personal knowledge bases in an era where AI tools risk encouraging outsourced thinking.

Quick takeaway: PARA method structures notes into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive for simplicity and consistency, implemented easily in Obsidian.

Commenters say: Users debate Emacs' complexity versus stability, Obsidian's proprietary risks, and the importance of blending personal thought with AI assistance.