Most people approach problems by analogy — they copy what others do or make small improvements to existing ideas. But there’s a better way to truly innovate and think clearly: first principles thinking.
This mental model, famously used by great thinkers like Aristotle and modern innovators like Elon Musk, helps you break down complex problems to their core truths and rebuild them from the ground up.
What Is First Principles Thinking?
First principles thinking is a way of reasoning where you boil down a problem or idea into its most basic, fundamental truths — things that are undeniably true — and then build your reasoning from there.
Instead of asking, “How has this always been done?” you ask, “What do we know for sure to be true, and what can we create from that?”
Why Most People Don’t Use It
Most of us are wired to think in analogies because it saves energy. Our brain is designed to copy what worked before rather than reinventing the wheel each time.
But this kind of thinking often leads to shallow solutions and blind spots. We miss opportunities for real breakthroughs because we’re stuck improving existing systems rather than questioning them at their root.
Examples of First Principles Thinking in Action
SpaceX and Rocket Costs
Elon Musk used first principles thinking to question why rockets were so expensive. Instead of accepting high costs as normal, he broke down the price of raw materials and realized rockets could be made far cheaper if built differently.
Result? SpaceX drastically reduced the cost of launching rockets, making private space travel possible.
Diet and Nutrition
Instead of following fad diets, a first principles thinker would analyze:
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What does the human body fundamentally need to function?
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How do different nutrients affect energy and health at a cellular level?
This leads to a more personalized, effective approach rather than blindly following popular advice.
How to Apply First Principles Thinking
1️⃣ Identify and define your problem clearly
Write it down. Get precise about what you’re trying to solve.
2️⃣ Break it down into fundamental truths
Ask: What do I know for sure is true about this problem? Separate facts from assumptions and inherited beliefs.
3️⃣ Rebuild from the ground up
Once you have the core truths, imagine new solutions without being limited by “the way it’s always been done.”
The Benefits
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True innovation. You’ll create ideas that others can’t even see.
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Deeper understanding. You’ll grasp problems at their core rather than on the surface.
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More confidence in decisions. Your choices will be based on reality, not imitation.
Final Thoughts
First principles thinking isn’t always easy. It demands mental effort, curiosity, and courage to question conventional wisdom. But if you practice it, you’ll start seeing opportunities and solutions that others completely miss — and that’s how breakthroughs happen.
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