| name | knowledge-consolidation |
| description | Build frameworks from scattered insights across all braindumps and notes |
COG Knowledge Consolidation Skill
Purpose
Transform scattered insights from braindumps, daily briefs, and check-ins into coherent frameworks and "single source of truth" knowledge documents through pattern recognition and systematic synthesis.
When to Invoke
- User wants to consolidate their insights
- User says "consolidate knowledge", "build frameworks", "synthesize insights"
- Time for periodic knowledge base maintenance (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
- User wants to extract patterns from accumulated braindumps
- Before major decisions that could benefit from framework consultation
Process Flow
1. Data Gathering
Scan vault for unprocessed or partially processed content:
-
All braindumps since last consolidation:
02-personal/braindumps/03-professional/braindumps/04-projects/*/braindumps/00-inbox/braindump-*.md (mixed domain)
-
Daily briefs and check-ins:
01-daily/briefs/01-daily/checkins/
-
Any meeting transcripts or project documents in:
04-projects/*/planning/04-projects/*/resources/
Determine scope:
- Ask user: "What time period should I analyze? (last week, last month, last quarter, all time, or custom range?)"
- Identify unprocessed content (check for
status: "captured" or missing consolidation metadata)
Gather statistics:
- Total documents to analyze
- Breakdown by domain and type
- Date range coverage
2. Pattern Recognition
Apply systematic pattern detection across all content:
Frequency Analysis
What comes up repeatedly?
- Identify themes mentioned across multiple documents
- Track topic frequency and clustering
- Recognize persistent questions or concerns
- Spot recurring action items or decisions
Temporal Clustering
What insights emerged together?
- Group related insights by time period
- Identify how thinking evolved over time
- Recognize inflection points where thinking shifted
- Map catalysts that triggered changes
Domain Correlation
What patterns cross domains?
- Personal insights affecting professional thinking
- Professional learnings applied to projects
- Project experiences informing personal growth
- Strategic themes spanning all domains
Contradiction Analysis
Where does thinking conflict?
- Identify contradictory thoughts or approaches
- Recognize evolution vs. inconsistency
- Understand resolution or ongoing tension
- Track perspective shifts over time
Cross-Cutting Patterns
Meta-patterns across all dimensions:
- Decision-making approaches
- Problem-solving strategies
- Learning patterns
- Emotional/energy patterns
- Relationship patterns
- Creative processes
3. Framework Development
Synthesize patterns into actionable frameworks:
Identify Core Principles
From scattered insights to fundamental truths:
- What patterns reveal deeper principles?
- What rules or heuristics emerge?
- What mental models are forming?
- What strategies are proving effective?
Test Against Evidence
Validate frameworks with source material:
- Do source insights support these principles?
- Are there counter-examples or exceptions?
- How confident can we be in this framework?
- What are the boundary conditions?
Define Boundaries
When does framework apply/not apply?
- What contexts does this framework serve?
- What are its limitations?
- When should it NOT be used?
- What assumptions does it rely on?
Create Applications
How to use this framework:
- Specific use cases
- Decision-making applications
- Problem-solving templates
- Practical implementation steps
4. Knowledge Integration
Update and create knowledge base documents:
Update Existing Frameworks
For each framework that needs updating:
---
type: "consolidated-knowledge"
domain: "[primary-domain]"
framework: "[framework-name]"
created: "[original-date]"
last_updated: "YYYY-MM-DD"
consolidation_id: "[consolidation-session-id]"
source_documents: [count]
status: "stable|working|emerging"
tags: ["#framework", "#consolidated", "#[topic]"]
---
# [Framework Name]
## Framework Overview
[Clear description of what this framework is and what it helps with]
**Status:** [Stable | Working | Emerging]
**Last Updated:** [Date]
**Source Insights:** [count] documents analyzed
---
## Core Principles
### Principle 1: [Name]
**Statement:** [Clear, concise principle statement]
**Evidence:**
- [[braindump-YYYY-MM-DD]] - [supporting insight]
- [[daily-brief-YYYY-MM-DD]] - [supporting evidence]
- [[checkin-YYYY-MM-DD]] - [pattern observation]
**Evolution:** [How this principle has developed or been refined]
**Confidence:** [High|Medium|Low] - [reasoning]
### Principle 2: [Name]
[Same structure as Principle 1]
### Principle 3: [Name]
[Same structure as Principle 1]
---
## Applications & Use Cases
### Use Case 1: [Scenario]
**When to Apply:** [Specific situation]
**How to Apply:**
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]
**Expected Outcomes:** [What to expect]
**Example:** [Real example from user's experience]
### Use Case 2: [Scenario]
[Same structure as Use Case 1]
---
## Boundaries & Limitations
**This framework works when:**
- [Condition 1]
- [Condition 2]
- [Condition 3]
**This framework does NOT work when:**
- [Anti-condition 1]
- [Anti-condition 2]
- [Anti-condition 3]
**Common Pitfalls:**
- [Pitfall 1 to avoid]
- [Pitfall 2 to avoid]
---
## Evolution & History
### [Date Range 1]: [Initial Development]
**What Emerged:** [How this framework first appeared]
**Catalysts:**
- [Event or insight that triggered initial thinking]
**Early Insights:**
- [[link]] - [early thought]
- [[link]] - [formative insight]
### [Date Range 2]: [Refinement Phase]
**What Changed:** [How framework evolved]
**New Evidence:**
- [[link]] - [supporting experience]
- [[link]] - [refining insight]
**Adjustments Made:**
- [Change 1]
- [Change 2]
### Current State: [Date]
**Current Understanding:** [Latest refined version]
**Recent Validation:**
- [[link]] - [recent application]
- [[link]] - [current evidence]
---
## Related Frameworks
- [[framework-2]] - [How they relate]
- [[framework-3]] - [Connection or overlap]
- [[framework-4]] - [When to use which]
---
## Future Development
**Questions for Deeper Exploration:**
- [Question 1 to investigate]
- [Question 2 needing more evidence]
**Potential Extensions:**
- [Area 1 for expansion]
- [Area 2 for integration]
**Watch For:**
- [Pattern 1 to monitor]
- [Signal 2 that might invalidate or refine]
---
*Consolidated from [X] sources | Confidence: [High/Medium/Low] | Status: [Stable/Working/Emerging]*
Save to: 05-knowledge/consolidated/[framework-name]-framework.md
Create New Frameworks
For newly identified frameworks:
---
type: "consolidated-knowledge"
domain: "[primary-domain]"
framework: "[framework-name]"
created: "YYYY-MM-DD"
last_updated: "YYYY-MM-DD"
consolidation_id: "[consolidation-session-id]"
source_documents: [count]
status: "emerging"
tags: ["#framework", "#consolidated", "#new", "#[topic]"]
---
# [New Framework Name]
## Framework Discovery
**Identified:** [Date]
**Based On:** [X] insights from [timeframe]
**Domain:** [Primary domain with cross-domain applications]
**Discovery Context:**
[What pattern recognition revealed this framework]
---
## Core Principles
[Same structure as framework updates above]
---
[Continue with Applications, Boundaries, Evolution sections...]
Save to: 05-knowledge/consolidated/[framework-name]-framework.md
Update Pattern Documentation
---
type: "pattern-analysis"
pattern: "[pattern-name]"
created: "YYYY-MM-DD"
domains: ["domain1", "domain2"]
frequency: "[high|medium|low]"
tags: ["#pattern", "#analysis"]
---
# Pattern: [Pattern Name]
## Pattern Description
[Clear description of the recurring pattern]
**Frequency:** Appeared in [X] documents over [timeframe]
**Domains:** [Which domains this pattern appears in]
**Significance:** [Why this pattern matters]
---
## Occurrences
### [Date 1] - [[source-document-1]]
**Context:** [What was happening]
**Manifestation:** [How pattern appeared]
**Outcome:** [What resulted]
### [Date 2] - [[source-document-2]]
[Same structure]
### [Date 3] - [[source-document-3]]
[Same structure]
---
## Analysis
**What Triggers This Pattern:**
- [Trigger 1]
- [Trigger 2]
- [Trigger 3]
**What Follows This Pattern:**
- [Consequence 1]
- [Consequence 2]
**Cross-Domain Implications:**
[How this pattern affects different areas]
**Potential Actions:**
- [Action to amplify if positive]
- [Action to mitigate if negative]
- [Action to understand better]
---
## Evolution Over Time
[How this pattern has changed or stayed consistent]
---
*Pattern identified through consolidation of [X] sources*
Save to: 05-knowledge/patterns/pattern-[name].md
Create Timeline Entries
---
type: "timeline-entry"
topic: "[major-theme-or-shift]"
date_range: "YYYY-MM-DD to YYYY-MM-DD"
created: "YYYY-MM-DD"
tags: ["#timeline", "#evolution", "#thinking"]
---
# Thinking Evolution: [Major Theme/Shift]
## Timeline Period
**From:** [Start Date]
**To:** [End Date]
**Duration:** [X weeks/months]
---
## What Changed
**Initial State:**
[How thinking/approach started]
**End State:**
[Where thinking/approach ended up]
**Key Shift:**
[The fundamental change that occurred]
---
## Catalysts & Triggers
### [Date] - [Trigger Event 1]
**Source:** [[link-to-document]]
**What Happened:** [Description]
**Impact:** [How this triggered change]
### [Date] - [Trigger Event 2]
[Same structure]
---
## Evidence Trail
### Early Thinking: [Date Range]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Initial thoughts]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Early explorations]
### Intermediate Development: [Date Range]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Evolving understanding]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Testing and refinement]
### Current Understanding: [Date Range]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Mature thinking]
- [[YYYY-MM-DD]] - [Latest application]
---
## Impact of This Evolution
**On Decisions:**
[How this shift affects decision-making]
**On Strategies:**
[How this shift affects strategic approach]
**On Frameworks:**
[Which frameworks were created or updated]
**On Actions:**
[What changed in behavior or practice]
---
## Lessons Learned
**What This Evolution Teaches:**
- [Learning 1]
- [Learning 2]
- [Learning 3]
**Future Implications:**
[What this suggests for future development]
---
*Timeline constructed from [X] source documents spanning [timeframe]*
Save to: 05-knowledge/timeline/[topic]-evolution-YYYY-MM.md
5. Generate Consolidation Report
Create master consolidation document:
---
type: "knowledge-consolidation"
domain: "integrated"
date: "YYYY-MM-DD"
consolidation_period: "YYYY-MM-DD to YYYY-MM-DD"
created: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM"
sources_analyzed: [number]
frameworks_updated: ["framework1", "framework2"]
frameworks_created: ["new-framework1"]
patterns_identified: [number]
tags: ["#consolidation", "#knowledge", "#frameworks"]
---
# Knowledge Consolidation - [Date]
## Executive Summary
**Period Analyzed:** [Start date] to [End date]
**Documents Processed:**
- [X] braindumps
- [X] daily briefs
- [X] weekly check-ins
- [X] project documents
**Major Outcomes:**
- **Frameworks Updated:** [count] - [list]
- **New Frameworks Created:** [count] - [list]
- **Patterns Identified:** [count]
- **Timeline Entries:** [count]
**Key Insights Synthesized:**
1. [Major insight 1]
2. [Major insight 2]
3. [Major insight 3]
---
## Processing Statistics
- **Total documents analyzed:** [number]
- **Date range:** [start] to [end]
- **Domains covered:** [list]
- **New patterns identified:** [number]
- **Frameworks updated:** [number]
- **New frameworks created:** [number]
- **Timeline entries added:** [number]
- **Archive actions taken:** [number]
---
## Major Themes This Period
### Theme 1: [Name]
**Frequency:** Appeared in [X] documents
**Evolution:** [How thinking evolved]
**Key Insights:**
- [[source]] - [insight 1]
- [[source]] - [insight 2]
- [[source]] - [insight 3]
**Framework Implications:**
[How this theme affected or created frameworks]
**Status:** [Stable understanding | Still exploring | Needs more evidence]
### Theme 2: [Name]
[Same structure as Theme 1]
---
## Frameworks Updated
### Framework 1: [Name]
**Location:** [[05-knowledge/consolidated/[filename]]]
**What Changed:**
- [Addition/modification 1]
- [Addition/modification 2]
**New Evidence Added:**
- [[source]] - [insight]
- [[source]] - [insight]
**Confidence Change:** [Before] โ [After]
**New Applications:**
- [Use case 1]
- [Use case 2]
### Framework 2: [Name]
[Same structure]
---
## New Frameworks Created
### New Framework: [Name]
**Location:** [[05-knowledge/consolidated/[filename]]]
**Created:** Based on [X] insights from [timeframe]
**Core Principles:**
1. [Principle 1]
2. [Principle 2]
3. [Principle 3]
**Primary Use Cases:**
- [Use case 1]
- [Use case 2]
**Status:** Emerging (needs more evidence and validation)
**Future Development:**
[What's needed to mature this framework]
---
## Patterns Identified
### Pattern 1: [Name]
**Frequency:** [High|Medium|Low]
**Domains:** [Which domains]
**Description:** [What the pattern is]
**Implications:** [Why it matters]
**Documentation:** [[05-knowledge/patterns/[filename]]]
### Pattern 2: [Name]
[Same structure]
---
## Thinking Evolution
### Major Shift: [Topic]
**Timeline:** [Date range]
**What Changed:** [Description]
**Catalysts:**
- [Event 1]
- [Event 2]
**Impact:**
[How this shift affects frameworks, decisions, actions]
**Documentation:** [[05-knowledge/timeline/[filename]]]
---
## Cross-Cutting Insights
**Connections Across Domains:**
- [Cross-domain insight 1]
- [Cross-domain insight 2]
- [Cross-domain insight 3]
**Contradictions Identified:**
- [Contradiction 1] - [Resolution approach]
- [Contradiction 2] - [Still unresolved]
**Strategic Implications:**
[Higher-level observations about trajectory and direction]
---
## Knowledge Base Maintenance
### Updates Made
- โ
Updated framework: [name]
- โ
Created new framework: [name]
- โ
Documented pattern: [name]
- โ
Added timeline entry: [topic]
- โ
Archived outdated insights: [list]
### Archive Actions
**Braindumps Processed:**
- Updated metadata from `status: "captured"` to `status: "consolidated"`
- Added consolidation references: `consolidated_in: "[[consolidation-YYYY-MM-DD]]"`
**Superseded Content:**
- Archived: [list of old framework versions or outdated insights]
- Location: `00-inbox/archive/`
---
## Future Consolidation Needs
### Ready for Framework Creation
- [ ] [Area 1] - Sufficient evidence gathered - Target: [date]
- [ ] [Area 2] - Pattern established - Target: [date]
### Needs Deeper Analysis
- [ ] [Area 3] - Contradictions to resolve - Target: [date]
- [ ] [Area 4] - Emerging but not yet clear - Target: [date]
### Monitoring Required
- [ ] [Pattern 1] - Watch for additional occurrences
- [ ] [Theme 2] - Track evolution over next [period]
---
## Quality Assessment
**Completeness:** [All relevant insights processed?]
**Coherence:** [Frameworks logically consistent?]
**Traceability:** [Clear links to source material?]
**Actionability:** [Frameworks applicable to decisions?]
**Evolution Documented:** [Thinking progression captured?]
---
## Next Steps
**Immediate Actions:**
- [Action 1 based on consolidation insights]
- [Action 2 to apply new frameworks]
**Future Consolidation:**
- **Next Consolidation:** [Suggested date]
- **Focus Areas:** [What to emphasize next time]
**Framework Applications:**
- [Decision 1 that could benefit from framework]
- [Situation 2 to apply framework to]
---
*Consolidation completed: [Date] | Processed [X] documents | Created/updated [X] frameworks*
Save to: 05-knowledge/consolidated/consolidation-YYYY-MM-DD.md
6. Cleanup and Archival
Mark processed braindumps:
Update frontmatter in processed braindumps:
status: "consolidated"
consolidated_in: "[[consolidation-YYYY-MM-DD]]"
consolidated_date: "YYYY-MM-DD"
Archive outdated content:
Move superseded frameworks or insights to:
00-inbox/archive/[filename]-archived-YYYY-MM-DD.md
Add note explaining why archived and what supersedes it.
Maintain clean knowledge base:
- Remove redundancy while preserving important context
- Update cross-references
- Fix broken links
- Ensure consistent tagging
7. Confirm Completion
After consolidation:
- Show user: "Knowledge consolidation complete! Processed [X] documents"
- Highlight: "[X] frameworks updated, [X] new frameworks created"
- Show: "Consolidation report saved to [file path]"
- Suggest reviewing key frameworks created/updated
- Offer to explain any specific framework in detail
Consolidation Guidelines
Quality Over Quantity
- Don't force insights that aren't mature enough
- Let patterns emerge naturally from evidence
- Be patient with incomplete thinking
- Quality frameworks require time and evidence
- Mark frameworks as "emerging" vs "working" vs "stable"
Preserve Nuance
- Don't over-simplify complex insights
- Maintain important context and conditions
- Note when frameworks have limitations
- Preserve contradictions that haven't resolved yet
- Acknowledge uncertainty explicitly
Maintain Traceability
- Always link back to source documents
- Show evidence trail for frameworks
- Document evolution of thinking
- Enable future validation or revision
- Make it easy to audit framework claims
Living Documents
- Frameworks should evolve with new insights
- Regular updates better than perfect first draft
- Clear status indicators (emerging/working/stable)
- Encourage iteration and refinement
- Version history through Git
Analysis Techniques Reference
Pattern Detection Methods
- Frequency Analysis: Count mentions, cluster topics
- Temporal Clustering: Group by time, track evolution
- Domain Correlation: Cross-domain connections
- Contradiction Analysis: Identify conflicts, track resolution
- Energy Pattern Detection: Emotional and practical patterns
Framework Synthesis Process
- Identify Core Principles: Extract fundamental truths
- Test Against Evidence: Validate with sources
- Define Boundaries: Establish applicability
- Create Applications: Develop use cases
- Document Evolution: Track development over time
Timeline Construction Method
- Mark Inflection Points: When thinking shifted
- Identify Catalysts: What triggered changes
- Document Evolution: How understanding developed
- Extract Learnings: What evolution teaches
Success Metrics
- Completeness: All relevant insights processed
- Coherence: Frameworks logically consistent
- Traceability: Clear links to source material
- Actionability: Frameworks applicable to decisions
- Evolution: Documented thinking progression
- User Value: Frameworks actually used in practice
Common Use Cases
- Weekly Consolidation: Process week's insights into patterns
- Monthly Framework Development: Build strategic frameworks
- Quarterly Strategic Synthesis: Big-picture consolidation
- Annual Knowledge Base Cleanup: Maintain quality and relevance
- Pre-Decision Framework Consultation: Apply frameworks to major decisions
- Project Retrospective: Extract learnings for frameworks
Philosophy
The knowledge consolidation skill embodies COG's self-evolving intelligence:
- Transforms scattered thoughts into strategic frameworks
- Honors the evolution of thinking over time
- Builds "single source of truth" living documents
- Maintains traceability and evidence-based reasoning
- Creates actionable knowledge for better decision-making
- Respects nuance while seeking patterns
- Values iteration and continuous refinement
