First Principle Thinking
Breaking a problem down to its most basic parts and building solution from scratch.
Most people solve problems by following what others have done before. But what if you could think differently and come up with new, better ideas? That’s what first principles thinking helps you do. It’s a way of breaking a problem down to its basics and building a solution from scratch.
Lets understand it in simple terms from the perspective of Richard Feynman—Nobel-winning physicist, master problem solver, and a lifelong student .
What is First Principles Thinking?
Imagine being a young Richard Feynman in a classroom. While most students memorized formulas, he asked: Why?
His father played a key role in shaping this mindset. Instead of teaching him bird names, he said, “It doesn’t matter what it’s called—what matters is how it behaves.” That simple lesson led Feynman to break down every idea to its core and rebuild understanding from the ground up.
This is First Principles Thinking—a method where you strip away assumptions, identify fundamental truths, and use them to reconstruct knowledge logically.
In simple terms:
Don’t accept things just because “that’s how it’s always been.”
Break complex ideas into their basic components.
Rebuild from first principles, not from what others believe.
Why Does First Principles Thinking Matter?
Feynman didn’t just use this thinking for physics—he applied it everywhere. In his autobiography, Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman, he shared a fascinating incident from World War II when he worked on the Manhattan Project.
The project involved highly classified information, and security was a major concern. However, Feynman discovered that many safes could be cracked easily. Instead of assuming they were secure, he questioned the weak points—identifying mechanical flaws and human errors, like people not changing default combinations.
This is the power of First Principles Thinking—it helps you see opportunities where others see limits. Here’s why it matters:
You truly learn things – You understand how things work, not just what they are.
You can solve problems yourself – You can figure things out even when you don’t know the answer.
You can come up with new ideas – You’re more likely to invent or discover something new.
That’s why great innovators, from Thomas Edison to Steve Jobs, have used this approach to disrupt industries and solve impossible problems.
How Feynman Used First Principles Thinking
Feynman wasn’t just a problem solver. He attacked problems with relentless curiosity. His method followed these four steps:
Simplify Your Problem or Idea – If you can’t explain something simply, you don’t truly understand it.
Dig Deeper to Find the Root Cause – Use the Five Whys technique: Ask “Why?” five times to uncover the basics of any issue.
Question Everything – When others assumed electrons followed fixed orbits, Feynman asked, “What if they don’t?” This led to breakthroughs in quantum physics.
Test Your Hypothesis – Don’t just assume. In one famous case, while investigating the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, NASA claimed the rubber O-rings were safe. Feynman dunked them in ice water, proving they failed in the cold—exposing a fatal flaw and protecting future astronauts.
Lesson? Question everything. Dig deeper. That’s where the truth lies.
Applying First Principles in Real Life
Feynman’s method isn’t just for science—it’s a practical tool for anyone. His Feynman Learning Technique is a powerful way to accelerate learning:
Pick a topic and explain it like you’re teaching a kid.
Spot gaps—if you struggle, dig further.
Strip it down—cut the jargon, keep it clear.
He used this approach to learn Portuguese in weeks! Imagine applying it to your studies, career, or business.
Limitations of First Principles Thinking
While powerful, First Principles Thinking has its downsides:
It takes time – Breaking things down and questioning everything can be slow. It’s not ideal for urgent decisions.
It can overcomplicate simple tasks – Not every problem needs deep analysis (e.g., choosing lunch or picking a dress).
It requires knowledge – If you lack basic understanding, starting from scratch can be tough.
Tip: Use First Principles Thinking for important problems, not trivial ones.
Five-Point Checklist for First Principles Thinking
Explain simply – If you can’t, you don’t understand it.
Ask “Why?” five times – Drill down to the root cause.
Challenge assumptions – Test everything.
Experiment – Don’t just read, do it.
Stay curious – Keep questioning and learning.
First Principles Thinking made Richard Feynman a genius—and it can make you unstoppable too!
Best Wishes !