---
title: Cut-and-paste is not understanding
date: "2006-06-21T12:00:00Z"
categories:
  - how-i-do-things
wp_id: 293
description: I argue that tools like cut-and-paste and bookmarks create an illusion of knowledge that prevents true understanding. I suggest avoiding these crutches to force yourself to engage deeply and learn in the moment.
keywords: [learning, cognitive load, productivity, information management, tunnel in the sky, memory]
---

[Cut and paste](http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2006/06/cut_and_paste.php) has become easier. So we make less effort to understand. We don't need to. Like when we pay less attention if we're recording a lecture.

Solution? I suggest the [Tunnel in the Sky](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416505512/?tag=sanand-20) strategy. Rod Walker is going for survival training on an alien planet, and asks his sister, Captain Walker...

> "Uh, Sis, what sort of gun should I carry?"
>
> "Huh? Why the deuce do you want a gun?"
>
> "Why, for things I might run into of course."
>
> "Your only purpose is to stay alive. Not to be brave, not to fight. One time in a hundred a gun might save your life; the other ninety-nine it will tempt you into folly."
>
> "Did you take a gun on your solo test?"
>
> "I did. And I lost it the first day. Which saved my life. I know how good a gun makes you feel. You're ready for anything and hoping you'll find it. Which is exactly what is dangerous about it - because you aren't anything of that sort."

So, **don't take a gun**.

Don't record lectures. Don't give yourself the illusion of perfect memory.

Don't bookmark for future reading. You won't read it later.

Don't cut and paste. You don't understand it now. You won't understand it later.

---

## Comments

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- **Sai** _26 Jun 2006 11:36 pm_:
  Good stuff..makes lots of sense...
- **Rajagopalan** _26 Feb 2007 1:23 pm_:
  that is why make sense software is becoming popular
- **Anonymous** _15 Mar 2007 6:56 am_:
  Brilliant :)

<!-- wp-comments-end -->