First Principles
First principles thinking is a method of reasoning that involves breaking down complex problems into fundamental truths or basic principles, and then building solutions from there. Instead of accepting conventional wisdom or existing assumptions, first principles thinking encourages individuals to question everything and seek out the underlying principles that govern a situation.
Imagine you're building a house. Instead of following a predetermined blueprint, you'd start by considering the fundamental elements: the materials you need, the laws of physics that govern structural stability, and the needs of the people who will live in the house. By understanding these basic principles, you can design a house that meets your needs more efficiently and creatively.
In essence, first principles thinking is about starting from scratch and reasoning up from the fundamentals rather than reasoning by analogy or following the status quo. It's a powerful tool for innovation and problem-solving because it allows you to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and find novel solutions to complex problems.
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