Want to solve problems like Elon Musk? master 'First Principles Thinking'.

Welcome back, explorers.

What if their castle isn’t stable? What if it’s not even the shape you want?

There has to be a better way, right? 🤔

This is where first principles thinking comes in—a problem-solving approach used by visionaries like Elon Musk and the Wright Brothers to break barriers and spark breakthroughs.

Let’s explore how it works (and how you can use it today).

Today’s big story

Want to solve problem like Elon Musk? master ‘First Principle Thinking’.

What is First Principles Thinking?

First principles thinking is like pressing the “reset” button. Instead of accepting things as they are, you strip a problem down to its basics and rebuild it from scratch.

✅ The Goal? Find solutions that others miss by challenging assumptions and focusing on core truths.

Everyday example: baking the perfect cookie

Let’s make it simple.

Say you’re baking chocolate chip cookies. Most people grab a recipe and follow it without question. But what if the recipe doesn’t give you the chewy texture you love?

Here’s how first principles thinking would look:

• What makes a cookie a cookie? Flour, sugar, fat, and something to bind it.

• What gives it flavor? Chocolate, vanilla, and salt.

• What makes it chewy? Moisture and baking time.

Once you know the basics, you can tweak and experiment. Want a healthier version? Swap sugar for honey. Want extra chewiness? Add a bit more butter.

It’s not about following rules—it’s about understanding them and then making your own.

How Elon Musk applies First Principles Thinking

Elon Musk is a master of first principles thinking, and nowhere is it more evident than in his work with SpaceX.

When Musk set out to build rockets, he encountered a massive roadblock: traditional rockets cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Most people assumed this was just the price of doing business in space exploration. But Musk didn’t accept this. He asked:

👉 “What are the fundamental materials needed to build a rocket, and how much do they cost?”

By breaking the problem down to its basics, Musk realized that the raw materials for a rocket—aluminum, titanium, copper, and carbon fiber—cost only about 2% of the market price of a rocket.

Armed with this knowledge, SpaceX redesigned the rocket manufacturing process from the ground up, focusing on building reusable rockets and manufacturing components in-house. The result?

🚀 SpaceX reduced the cost of launching payloads into space by over 90%, making space exploration more affordable and accessible than ever before.

The Lesson? Don’t take costs or processes at face value. Question assumptions, break problems into their core components, and rebuild smarter solutions.

How you can use it

Here’s a simple way to apply first principles thinking to your own challenges:

Step 1: Identify the Problem: What are you trying to solve? Be specific.

Step 2: Break It Down: Ask “why” repeatedly to uncover the root causes.

Step 3: Rebuild the Solution: Forget conventional wisdom. Start fresh and focus on what truly matters.

A real-life problem

Let’s bring this into your daily life with a simple example.

Suppose your family complains that dinner always takes too long. Instead of just cooking faster or ordering takeout, break it down:

• What’s the real issue? People are hungry, and cooking takes time.

• What’s the goal? Quick, satisfying meals.

From there, you might decide to:

✅ Prep ingredients in advance.

✅ Use a slow cooker during the day.

✅ Focus on simple one-pot meals.

Once you know the basics, solutions become obvious.

Why this approach works

First principles thinking has fueled some of the greatest innovations:

🌟 The Wright Brothers reimagined flight by focusing on lift, drag, and thrust instead of copying birds.

🌟 Khan Academy transformed education by asking: “What does a student truly need to learn effectively?”

You don’t need to be a scientist or inventor to use it. Whether you’re rethinking your career, designing a project, or just trying to improve your morning routine, first principles thinking can unlock creative solutions.

Your turn

What’s a challenge you’re facing right now? Could you tackle it with first principles thinking?

Start asking questions. Break it down. Build something amazing.

First principles thinking has the potential to change how we approach challenges in both our personal and professional lives. Thinking differently isn’t always easy, but it’s how great ideas are born. So, start asking questions, break things down, and build something amazing.

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