First principles thinking is a method of problem-solving 
that involves breaking a situation down into its fundamental elements and building up from there. It’s based on the idea of examining and utilizing the basic, foundational truths that cannot be deduced from any other propositions or assumptions.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how first principles thinking works:
- Identify and Define Your Assumptions: Start by outlining what you currently assume about the given situation or problem. These are often beliefs taken for granted or things considered to be “common knowledge.“
- Break Down to Fundamental Principles: Analyze and break down these assumptions into the most basic truths or elements that you know are indisputable. This often involves asking questions like “What do I know to be true?” or “What can be proven?”
- Create New Solutions from Scratch: Once you have identified these bedrock truths, use them as building blocks to develop new insights or innovative solutions that do not rely on the previous assumptions. This is where creativity comes into play, as you’re not bound by conventional ways of thinking.
- Identify and Define Your Assumptions: Start by outlining what you currently assume about the given situation or problem. These are often beliefs taken for granted or things considered to be “common knowledge.“
This approach is often contrasted with reasoning by analogy, which relies on existing solutions and methods. First principles thinking pushes you to innovate and find unique solutions, and it’s a method famously used by figures like Aristotle in philosophy, and more recently, by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk in various industries.
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