Principles
Fundamental truths that guide decisions when everything else is uncertain. First principles are the bedrock assumptions that cannot be deduced from other propositions. When complexity overwhelms, return to principles. When options multiply, let principles filter. When stakes are high, principles provide clarity.
🗃️ Crypto
7 items
🗃️ Business
14 items
🗃️ Life
5 items
🗃️ Goodwill
4 items
Transformative Forces
Data and energy are the lifeblood of the AI economy. Standards define the platform for progress. Culture and identity are the difference when code is law.
| Force | What It Is | Why It Transforms |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Know-how, patterns | AI makes it actionable |
| Energy | Power to do work | Cheap energy = cheap transformation |
| Leverage | Force multipliers | Code, capital, coordination |
| Tokenization | Programmable value | Ownership, transfer, composability |
| Standards | Rules of the game | Protocols > permissions |
| Participatory Capital | Your influence balance | Shape systems, not just survive them |
Reasoning
- All solutions are temporary, insightful questions are timeless.
- Don't optimize things that should not exist.
- Put full focus on desired outcomes then work back in straightest path.
- Iteratively delete things to confirm outcomes justify their existence.
- Accelerate cycle time.
- Automate progress with fail-safe signals.
Value
| Without Principles | With Principles |
|---|---|
| React to events | Respond from values |
| Optimize locally | Optimize systemically |
| Follow trends | Lead with conviction |
| Paralyzed by options | Clear decision filters |
| Inconsistent actions | Coherent strategy |
Never trust, always validate
Prioritization
Not all principles matter equally for your situation.
- Must Have — Non-negotiable for your context
- Should Have — Important but flexible
- Nice to Have — Valuable when resources allow
- Not Relevant — Doesn't apply to your situation
Decision Filter
- What principles apply here?
- Do any principles conflict?
- Which principle takes precedence in this context?
- What would strict adherence look like?
- What's the minimum viable compromise?
Reflection
- Can I articulate my top 5 principles?
- Do my actions align with my stated principles?
- When did I last violate a principle? Why?
- Which principle needs strengthening?
- What principle am I avoiding?