First Principles Thinking is a way of understanding and solving problems by breaking them down to their most fundamental truths—those that cannot be reduced or assumed away.
Instead of relying on analogy or convention, it requires you to think outside of the box. Don't see the barriers, see the destination.
Humans think in analogies
It requires to challenge assumptions and the status quo to eliminate potential biases
Escape "we've always done it this way" think. Don't reason by analogy.
Going back as far as possible, there are Elementary Principles; aimed to be fundamental truths of the universe.
Expanding on those, we derive Human Principles; aimed to be fundamental truths of the human experience.
All innovations come from doing something different than before
Every person has bias
First Principles Thinking examples
It is the unexpected that pulls us in and bring valuable insights
Metaphor
🛠️ The Toolbox Metaphor
“Most people use the toolbox that they have inherited. A first principle thinker will build their own toolbox.”
Instead of asking "what can I build with the tools I have", they will ask "What tools do I need to build the things I want."
*Don't build the usual way. build your own way.