Elon Musk and his usage of first principles thinking is all about rejecting what is thought to be fact. He describes a process where you identify your assumptions in the face of solving a problem, you break them down, and then you solve the problem by breaking down old barriers. Once you realize that truth is not as set in stone as you think it is, possibilities begin to unfold. Reinvent the wheel—because maybe you can find a better one.
Charles Darwin lived his remarkable life according to one simple golden rule: immersing yourself in the world of your opposition and contrary opinions. This is how you can legitimately test the truth of your opinions or arguments. It is the ultimate example of avoiding confirmation bias. He turns his doubts and skepticism onto himself rather than others, which is the far more normal course of action.
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