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Elon Musk

Everyone is wrong about something at some point in time.

Lessons​

Reasoning and Critical Thinking:

  • Reason from first principles, not by analogy
  • Question assumptions and conventional wisdom
  • Keep asking "why?" until you hit fundamental truths
  • Identify and challenge areas of unjustified certainty in your thinking
  • Treat your beliefs as hypotheses to be tested, not absolute truths
  • Seek out evidence that contradicts your current views
  • Be willing to change your mind when presented with new information

Decision Making:

  • Define your core values and goals independently, not based on others' expectations
  • Regularly reflect on and update your "Want box" (desires) and "Reality box" (what's possible)
  • When facing a decision, map out the full "Goal Pool" of options
  • For important decisions, build your strategy from scratch rather than copying others
  • Test strategies through action and be willing to adjust based on results
  • Make decisions based on your own reasoning, not deference to authority

Innovation and Creativity:

  • Approach problems with a blank slate, ignoring conventional approaches
  • Look for opportunities to create entirely new solutions, not just incremental improvements
  • Don't be constrained by how things have always been done
  • Combine ideas from different fields in novel ways
  • Be willing to pursue ideas others dismiss as impossible or impractical

Risk Assessment:

  • Carefully analyze actual risks, don't just accept others' risk perceptions
  • Be willing to take calculated risks when potential upside is high
  • Don't let irrational fears hold you back from pursuing goals
  • View failure as a learning opportunity, not something to be avoided at all costs

Personal Growth:

  • Regularly examine your beliefs and identity - are they truly yours or inherited?
  • Seek to expand your "Reality box" by gaining new knowledge and skills
  • Don't let your past define your future capabilities
  • Be willing to change and evolve your identity over time
  • Cultivate intellectual humility - acknowledge how much you don't know

Leadership:

  • Lead based on independent reasoning, not just following industry norms
  • Be willing to pursue unconventional strategies if your analysis supports them
  • Inspire others by demonstrating innovative thinking
  • Create a culture that encourages questioning assumptions
  • Articulate a compelling vision based on first principles thinking

Building Ambitious Projects:

  • Break down seemingly impossible goals into fundamental components
  • Look for non-obvious ways to dramatically improve on existing approaches
  • Be willing to invest significant resources in high-impact opportunities
  • Maintain determination in the face of setbacks and scepticism
  • Continually expand your capabilities to take on larger challenges