A first principle is an axiom that cannot be deduced from any other within that system. The classic example is that of Euclid's Elements; its hundreds of geometric propositions can be deduced from a set of definitions, postulates, and common notions: all three types constitute first principles.
For example, a chef uses first principles thinking to transform raw ingredients (first principles) into a totally new dish. Someone who doesn't know how to cook will likely follow the instructions of a recipe, never deviating from the widely accepted instructions.
First principles thinking is a method of problem-solving that involves breaking down complex issues into their most basic and fundamental parts. Originating from ancient Greek philosophy and revitalized by modern thinkers like Elon Musk, it asks us to discard inherited assumptions and conventions.
“First principles” models are often engineering design models, reflecting physical laws such as mass balance, energy balance, heat transfer relations, and so on.
Meaning: rather than taking what already exists as the basis of our thinking, we break the problem down to its most fundamental truths and examine each piece. Even though a problem has already been solved, we start from the problem's most basic elements to re-examine whether a better solution might be possible.
The concept of First Principles encourages stripping a problem down to its most elemental truths. It's a methodology that avoids the trap of relying on conventional wisdom or historical precedents. Instead, it asks us to start from the ground up, building our understanding from the most basic, irrefutable facts.
First principles thinking is the act of boiling a process down to the fundamental parts that you know are true and building up from there. First principles thinking is the act of boiling a process down to the fundamental parts that you know are true and building up from there.
Once described as an atheist or agnostic, he's now embracing what he calls "cultural Christianity." This term, which Musk used in a July 2024 interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, suggests an appreciation for Christian values and traditions without necessarily adhering to all doctrinal beliefs.
The First Principles Series is a set of 13, six-session Bible study guides for use by church leaders and mature Christians to establish believers and churches in the faith, sort of a 21st century catechism.
So what is a first principle? A first principle is just the basic assumption that cannot be reduced any further. No assumptions about it. It's reduced down to the core truth that you can say, “We know this is true.”
Whether you're a student, professional, or someone who wants to improve their decision-making capabilities, these rules will help you think more critically and make better choices. So let's dive in! Clarify your thinking: The first rule of critical thinking is to clarify your thinking .
For example, when thinking about a food item such as Pizza, the first principles thinking will result in knowing about how Pizza came into existence in terms of what all went into creating Pizza such as raw materials, cooking method, expertise, tools, etc.
The 1% principle is a simple yet powerful concept that has the potential to drive incredible growth in our businesses without requiring a monumental effort. It all comes down to consistently doing just 1% more than expected or required of us.
A first principle is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further. Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle defined a first principle as “the first basis from which a thing is known.” First principles thinking is a fancy way of saying “think like a scientist.” Scientists don't assume anything.
We've raised our kids in a religious way; they've gone to the Catholic church that Melinda goes to and I participate in.” Gates is not yet what we might call a committed disciple: “I think it makes sense to believe in God, but exactly what decision in your life you make differently because of it, I don't know.” However ...
He's also spent much of the last two years evangelizing the teachings of Christianity. "Jesus taught love, kindness and forgiveness," he wrote in a late 2022 tweet. "I used to think that turning the other cheek was weak and foolish, but I was the fool for not appreciating its profound wisdom."
Elon's IQ is estimated to be around 155, while Albert Einstein's is 160. With such a slight margin, Musk is undoubtedly an incredibly smart person. Who is the smartest person on earth in 2022? Born in 1975 in Adelaide, Australia is a mathematician, Terence Tao with an IQ score of 230.
A first principle is a foundational proposition or assumption that stands alone. We cannot deduce first principles from any other proposition or assumption.
If you pick the wrong set of base principles — even if they're all true — you are likely to end up with the wrong conclusion at the end of your thinking. In other words, the only real test you have is against reality. Your conclusion should be useful. It should produce effective action.
In short, first-principles thinking is actively questioning every assumption known about a given problem or scenario, and then create new knowledge and solutions from scratch. According to Aristotle, a first-principle is “the first basis from which a thing is known”. They are the fundamental building blocks of an idea.
The first Spiritual Principle behind this step is Honesty. Wait, what is a Spiritual Principle? A principle is something by which we try and condition our behavior.
Rule 1: Focus on the Right Activity
The first rule of focus is: you must give your attention to the right activity: in most cases, your highest-value activity. If you remove all distractions but focus on the “wrong” activity, it won't benefit you; it's like climbing a ladder that's leaning against the wrong wall.
Once you have explained what first principles are, you can teach first principles thinking by encouraging the following behaviors: 1. Asking questions: Encourage your students to ask questions about the things they are learning, and to challenge assumptions or accepted wisdom.