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First Principles Thinking

287 points · 138 comments · sunils34

  1. bob1029 · · focus · HN ↗
    Higher order thinking is more important and rare.

    An aggressive first principles approach often leads otherwise well-intentioned technologists into strategic / ideological dead-ends.

    Do we do things because it's the "right thing" to do in the moment, or because of the final outcome that will eventually result?

    The most ideal answer is somewhere in the middle. I am far more interested in the total area under the curve than a single instant in time.

    In lieu of intentional higher order thinking, simply working backward from your customer on a regular basis will generally accomplish the same outcomes.

    1. itsalwaysgood · · focus · HN ↗
      Working backwards from the customer is first principles thinking.
      1. vntok · · focus · HN ↗
        If you do that you'll quickly pivot to selling drugs and gambling tips.
        1. itsalwaysgood · · focus · HN ↗
          The idea is to be honest with ourselves. Once you start there, solutions arise.
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