First principles thinking
First principles thinking is a powerful mental model.[1] You can use it to simplify complex problems, discover novel solutions, and learn new skills. The idea is to break something down into its basic parts, understand them, and explore different ways of putting them back together. You deconstruct so you can reconstruct.
The concept of first principles comes from physics. In Metaphysics, Aristotle defined first principles as "the first basis from which a thing is known.”[2] A first principle is a foundational element of something. You know you've arrived at one when you cannot break it down any further.
First principles thinking is an alternative to our more natural analogous thinking mode. With analogous thinking, we reason by analogy. We seek clarity by comparing something we don't understand to things we already know. This is limiting.
With first principles thinking, you separate first-order truths from second-order assumptions. You expose false limitations and open your mind to new possibilities.
Analogous thinking leads to iterative improvements. First-principles thinking unlocks giant innovation.
There are many ways to apply first principles thinking.
Elon Musk used first principles to discover the opportunity to build lower-cost rockets at SpaceX. Instead of buying finished rockets for tens of millions of dollars, SpaceX purchased the raw materials for an estimated 98 percent discount and built the rockets themselves. In ten years, SpaceX was able to reduce the costs of launching a rocket by almost tenfold.[3]
First principles thinking is also helpful when you’re trying to learn something new.
Tim Ferris used first principles to teach himself to swim. Tim could never learn how to swim as a kid or young adult. With the help of a coach, he broke the freestyle stroke down to its fundamental body movements. He mastered each exercise and then put them all together. Now he can swim kilometers.[4]
With first principles thinking, you gain wisdom by understanding causes. You break something down by questioning everything about it. The wise know the whys of things.
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Notes
[1] Some people refer to first principles thinking as "reasoning from first principles.”
[2] First Principles: The Building Blocks of True Knowledge