How to Solve Problems Like a Genius: First Principles Explained
10 Real-Life Examples of First Principles Thinking
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Introduction
Have you ever felt stuck while trying to solve a problem?
You're doing things just because that's how it's always been done?
That’s where First Principle Thinking can completely change the game for you.
What is "First Principle Thinking"?
First Principle Thinking is a problem-solving method where you break down complex problems into their most basic truths and then rebuild a solution from scratch, not from assumptions or borrowed beliefs, but from what is certain.
It starts by asking
"What do I know to be true?"
"What can't be broken down any further?"
"Am I copying someone else's method… or am I truly understanding the foundation?"
Think of it like removing the packaging, throwing out the old manual, and rebuilding a better solution from the core.
Elon Musk's famous rocket example
When Elon Musk wanted to build rockets, people told him it would cost millions.
Instead of blindly accepting it, he broke the problem down:
What is a rocket really made of?
The answer:
Aluminum, carbon fiber, fuel, and a few other components.
Then he asked:
What do those cost?
Turns out, the raw materials were a fraction of the total rocket cost.
So he thought:
“Why not build rockets from scratch instead of buying them?”
That’s first-principle thinking in action. Not copying. Not assuming. Reimagining.
10 everyday examples of first-principle thinking
You don’t need to be Elon Musk to apply this mindset.
Here are 10 simple, relatable examples:
01 - Healthy food is expensive
First Principle: Food = Ingredients.
Can I cook at home using whole, local ingredients instead?
02 - I can’t afford a personal trainer
First Principle: Fitness = Movement + Consistency.
Can I follow free online workouts every day?
03 - I need a website to start a business.
First Principle: Business = Solve a problem + Get paid.
Can I start selling through WhatsApp or a Google Form first?
04 - I need funding to start a business.
First Principle: Business = One paying customer.
Can I get my first client before pitching to investors?
05 - Learning a new language takes years.
First Principle: Language = Vocabulary + Practice.
Can I learn the top 300 words and start using them?
06 - Reading books takes too much time.
First Principle: Reading = Insights.
Can I consume summaries or audiobooks on the go?
07 - I need a big team to scale.
First Principle: Growth = Systems + Efficiency.
Can I automate or outsource tasks before hiring full-time?
08 - I’m not creative enough to make content.
First Principle: Content = Ideas + Honest Expression.
Can I share what I see and feel daily in my own style?
09 - I need a fancy camera for good videos.
First Principle: Content = Value + Clarity.
Can I shoot on my phone with good natural lighting?
10 - I have to follow what society expects of me.
First Principle: Life = Time + Values.
What I truly want should come before what others expect.
Food for thought
First-principle thinking is not just a mental model. It’s a superpower.
It frees you from blindly following the crowd.
It gives you clarity when things feel complicated.
And most importantly, it helps you take action from a place of clarity, not confusion.
The next time you feel stuck, ask:
“What do I know for sure? And how can I rebuild this idea from the ground up?”
You’ll be surprised at how many creative (and affordable) solutions you’ll discover.
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P.S.: Image made on Meta AI using the prompt, “Imagine a business owner and content creator who is making a marketing plan for the rest of the year”