What is the “first principle”, the method of thinking that Elon Musk uses to find solutions to problems

Throughout the routine and our lives, It is common that we are faced with a series of problems that we must solve .

These can relate to anything from everyday situations to more exceptional situations, but what is common is that solutions must be found for these scenarios that arise and thus be able to deal with them.

However, they are not all the same. AND Just because one is found doesn’t mean it’s the best or most effective. .

In this sense, there is a method that promises to solve complex problems in creative ways .

It is “ thought of the first principle” and is used by people like Elon Musk .

The tech mogul even delved into how This strategy helped him accelerate the growth of his businesses .

However, can be applied in multiple situations and contexts which can range from the work environment to the more personal.

The gist of the “first principle” is identify the essential factors of a problem or “the first basis from which something is known” described the philosopher Aristotle.

This is explained by we must put aside embarrassing details and prejudices .

So, once the essential has been identified, you can start rebuilding on this basis .

As Musk mentioned in statements saved by the BBC “It is important to consider the content as a sort of semantic tree; make sure you understand the fundamentals, i.e. the trunk and large branches, before worrying about the leaves otherwise you will have nowhere to put them.

In an interview with Wired also assured that tends to “approach things from a physical framework”, since “physics learns to reason from the first principle and not by analogy” .

On this last point, he explained in the channel from YouTube by Kevin Rose To reason by analogy is to “do things because they resemble something that has been done or because they resemble what others do.” (…) with slight iterations on a theme.

And although he said that putting the “first principle” into practice involves investing “much more mental energy,” he also emphasized that is the key to innovation .

In fact, he is one of the most prominent names in this field. And the advances of companies like SpaceX, Tesla and Neuralink demonstrate this. .

Concerning his region, he suggested that “The real problem, the real difficulty and where the greatest potential lies is to build the machine that makes the machine.” .

“In other words, it’s building the factory “, he stressed.

Theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman also referred to this method of thinking and summarized it thus: “The first principle is not to deceive yourself (…) and you are the easiest person to deceive” .

So if you want to apply it, It is essential that you base your approach on certainties and the essential factors of the problem, rather than on assumptions or preconceived ideas that hinder your abilities. to solve it creatively and efficiently.