synthesize

Synthesize a topic from vault notes into agreements, tensions, and gaps.

36|2|Updated Mar 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tuan3w/obsidian-vault-agent --skill synthesize-tuan3w
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: synthesize
Source: https://github.com/tuan3w/obsidian-vault-agent/tree/main/skills/synthesize
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tuan3w/obsidian-vault-agent --skill synthesize-tuan3w

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It converts your vault’s scattered knowledge into a high-signal cross-domain synthesis, surfacing contradictions, hidden principles, and gaps so you can produce original thinking instead of just retrieving facts.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cross-domain vault exhaustion: Searches comprehensively across domains for the topic and related synonyms to gather 15–25 diverse notes.
  • Evidence-grounded synthesis: Reads the most relevant notes (prioritizing Thought notes, then distilled Term/Note content) and structures agreements, tensions, and missing coverage.
  • Contradiction-focused challenge: Forces uncomfortable, evidence-anchored questions tied to your own notes to push beyond confirmation.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to synthesize “attention” so it searches your vault, extracts cross-domain patterns, and challenges your view with contradiction-based questions.

Frequently Asked Questions about synthesize

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I synthesize scattered vault notes into cross-domain insights?

To synthesize scattered vault notes into cross-domain insights, this skill searches your knowledge base comprehensively for a topic and related synonyms, reads the highest-signal notes, and structures the findings into agreements, tensions, and gaps. It then generates evidence-anchored challenge questions to prompt original thinking.

Can I find contradictions and gaps across multiple domains in my knowledge base?

Yes, you can find contradictions and gaps across multiple domains by executing a comprehensive vault search. The skill reads your most relevant notes, prioritizing Thought notes, and explicitly structures the output to surface tensions and missing coverage between different domains.

What is the best way to pressure test an in-progress thought note?

The best way to pressure test an in-progress thought note is to apply contradiction-focused challenge questions. The skill analyzes your existing note against broader vault evidence, forcing uncomfortable, evidence-anchored questions tied directly to your own notes to push beyond confirmation bias.

How does cross-domain vault search work when synthesizing a topic?

Cross-domain vault search works by executing parallel note searches using MCP and grep fallbacks to gather 15 to 25 diverse notes. It prioritizes reading distilled Term and Note content alongside Thought notes to ensure the synthesis is grounded in your actual evidence.

Do I need a specific vault structure to synthesize notes effectively?

You do not need a specific vault structure, but having Thought notes, Term notes, and general notes improves synthesis quality. The skill prioritizes reading Thought notes and distilled content to extract high-signal cross-domain patterns and generate original thought prompts.

What to do when vault search returns too many irrelevant notes for synthesis?

When vault search returns too many irrelevant notes, the synthesis skill filters by reading only the highest-signal notes. It prioritizes Thought notes and distilled content over general matches to ensure the structured output remains focused on evidence-grounded agreements and tensions.