Consuming content with the intent of researching rather than mere consumption changes the value of the information absorbed (Plan before adding to Zettelkasten).

This purposeful approach is what Dan Koe coins as "Intelligent Imitation," (ie. Steal Like an Artist) which involves using curated knowledge as mental fuel to generate compelling and unique creations. Comparable to filling a car with the right fuel, Koe emphasizes the necessity of quality research: only by studying valuable content can a creator produce work of equal merit.

He advocates becoming an "Epistemic Researcher," a person deeply invested in their domain of mastery, to find high-signal information across various fields (via the Zettelkasten method of note taking). Establishing a consuming habit that is also a research practice means treating personal growth as a project. This method can apply not just to professional endeavors but to all aspects of life, where everything becomes relevant and can serve as a source of inspiration, storytelling, and creative insight.

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