Applying First Principles

Ignore the details at first, or what cannot be done. Instead, focus on the big picture and on the possibilities of bringing an idea to fruition. Later, you must ask effective questions that break down the idea into workable parts — making them practical and real-life scenarios.

One of the primary obstacles to first principles thinking is our tendency to focus on making slight iterations on the same theme. The problem is that, old conventions and forms are often accepted without question and they set boundaries around creativity.

Optimize t...

Comparison Thinking (reason through analogy)

When you make decisions and judgement calls based on what you or others have experienced. An easy mode of thinking but also offers no innovation or large changes.

First Principles Thinking (new pe...