The Most Powerful Way to Think | First Principles
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 лют 2018
- Signup for your FREE trial to The Great Courses Plus here: ow.ly/9oQl30hIuI8
__
Instagram: / freedomintht
Twitter: / freedomintht
Facebook: / freedomintht
Read more essays: freedominthought.com
Book Recommendations: amzn.to/2kw7Mp4
__
The Great Courses Plus is currently available to watch through a web browser to almost anyone in the world and optimized for the US market. The Great Courses Plus is currently working to both optimize the product globally and accept credit card payments globally.
__
Art by Arianna Belotti: ariannabelotti.com
First principle thinking can also be applied to art. Most people view art as "Wow! Look at how complex that is! I'll never draw anything like that". But really, art is built out of fundamental shapes. Artists start drawing by drafting shapes and add more and more detail to make something outstanding. Anyone can become great artists, but you need that first principle thinking.
If you memorize how to draw and paint a Mona Lisa, you only produce a Mona Lisa.
If you understand that Mona Lisa is made out of basic shapes, you produce endless possibilities.
It's best to take the apple seed instead of the apple.
Not if you splash colours at random and call it modern art.
Great explanation. That's what I think too. Whenever I want to do something, even if it's a very simple task, I always think in first principle such as when I'm creating simple Applications.
I love the way you explained it!
"If you feed a man fish, you feed him for one day. If you teach a man HOW to fish, you feed him for life". This came to mind when reading your comment
Obviously being able to break down shapes is the very first step in being an artist, but it's really only the most basic piece. You've really only described one facet of being an artist. My brother can play a guitar really well, but he can only play songs he's memorized. He has the technical ability to recreate pretty things, but he lacks the ability to make pretty things.
Understanding how to draw anything you want isn't the same thing as having the ability to do it nor is it the same thing as having the ability to draw something beautiful or inspiring. You can't break down the physical ability into first principles. A man with shaky hands can't understand his way into straight lines. That being said, you could probably break down beauty and inspiration into first principles to a degree. Aristotle actually had a real hard on for trying to quantify beauty. Obviously everyone will have different tastes, but even that has a reason behind it.
The essence of the powerful mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.
Decode Channel Why it thinks
I personally think its How, why and also What...
@@yt-sh Yeah. They're very intertwined.
@ Decode channel when will you make new videos?
@@roguej47 where it thinks
I've been think from 1st Principles for 40 years. It is SO REFRESHING! to see young people come to this enlightenment and begin to use its power. Many thanks for giving an old man a breath of fresh air and hope!
We all need to do that and I have written about the politic in this context. See my book, "Assholes and Bullshit: A Language Problem"
get a new thought ...40 years???
Clarity in one's own thoughts defines the quality of the life
That's a strong statement but not necessarily right on all the cases.
Applying Practical principal are maps for Creating a Systematic layer for Inovation , Development, from Concrete Concepts and Abstract Ideas or though
I've discovered through my experience that self-love is the first principle for a fulfilling life.
Love of being?
I’ve came to the conclusion that a strong foundation for real confidence is self-love.
Confidence, purpose, belief
Absolutely! This is so true
Okay Coomer
A bit surprised this didn't lead to a Grammarly ad
Bro, these ads are targeted just for you....don't give away your weaknesses
@@swanandjoshi333 chill its just a ad
@@signal6307 XD
Hmm ... I just got a cracker barrel cheese ad ...
"The ultimate truth seeker must not be satisfied with fruit. Yet, they realize that the search for roots is never ending." 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
This is so very true, throughout my studies of philosophy and psychology a lot of the things I learned seemed to not connect at all. As time goes by, I gain greater understanding of them, I start to be able to see how they link up, it’s like a chain reaction that results in something. Things like how people fall in love, and how confidence is a big part of success.
Would you enlighten your last sentence? Seems so interesting what you found out :))
@@saram7614
Falling in love is a systemic phenomena ! positive experiences accumulates over time & suddenly , you fall in love !
It’s because most philo has paradoxes and psychology is bs , you can derive human behaviors from biology. First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
It is as easy and simple as always asking “why” until you hit an end. You do not need complex hierarchies
only some ppl have this capability. assuming everyone else can do this naturally is the dangers of being a first priciples thinker.
@@baotrinh3955 you're right!
@@baotrinh3955 I've done this all my life. What are the dangers? I don't understand.
Applying Practical principal are maps for Creating a Systematic layer for Inovation , Development, from Concrete Concepts From Abstract Ideas
so this 8min video can be summarised as asking why until you hit an end? you should get pin to the top so no one need to waste 8min.
First principles vs conventional thinker. Learn the basics before developing complex beliefs. Conventional thinkers have complex ideas without fundamentals whereas learning first principles gives you the ability to create. Great content!
why - internal logic
how - external logic
what - realism
what if - imagination/possibilities
when - internal memory
where (what) - external memory/sensory perception
is this an example of first principle thinking?
How so?
Applying Practical principal for Creating Systematic layered Knowledge maps for New Innovations , and Development, from Concrete Proving Concepts or a Way of Consolidating Complex unrelated and Abstract Ideas Ontologically .This Third Approach Could lead to A more Dynamic way of learning and finding Real life Structural Solutions for Complex Engineering problems ,Ex Reducing or Reverse engineering biological systems , to enzymes, DNA , Transcription, Chemical systems to Physical and Quantum representation , Computer systems to Binary and Mathematical inductive Approach ,Ex.Algorithms and Data Structure, user interface
this is an example of an organized mind
Logic - Axioms
Causality - Cause-and-Effect
Reality - Existence
Potentiality - Change
Memory - Permanence
Perception - Interpretation
Language and Communication - Symbolism
I would add a few more social science related first principles.
Logic - Axioms
Causality - Cause-and-Effect
Reality - Existence
Potentiality - Change
Memory - Permanence
Perception - Interpretation
Language - Symbolism
Empathy - Understanding Others
Creativity - Innovation
Uncertainty - Probability
Adaptability - Survival
Ethics - Morality
Being grateful is like thinking powerfully, you get to the fundamentals of what you have, see, or go through.
For example, you have a computer or a cell phone, often we don't care who made them or how they were made, but being grateful for having it will lead you to think to the people engaged in the making of that object, like who gathered the materials, who built it and who sold it to you. Being grateful is the most powerful way to be and think.
1 - Your videos are deep in understanding and not shallow common, cliche ideas.
2 - The rithm of the voice is better on each video. The pace in this one is perfect.
3 - The type of animation is orginial and satisfaying to the eye.
Awesome!
First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
this vid is bs, first principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
small feedback: the music/background audio was a bit weird. it sometimes feels like a melody played backwards which can be quite irritating and distracting
the fundamentals of an essay are the concepts being communicated. The letters, words, sentences, and paragraphs only exist to serve the needs of the concepts. Perfection of the structural components is needed to pull it off in most cases, but a fantastic concept can be communicated with technical or tactical errors and still come across clearly and have great impact, due to the logic, or meaning of the concept itself.
What I love the most is that he applied what he was telling us in the video to the video itself in a great way (as he does with his other content)! Keep up the great work!
This channel is really way ahead of its time when it comes to explanation since then I keep referring to your videos and kept coming back even throughout the years.
I like how he always names his videos in a way that sounds promising and you think you will figure out something.
Then just leaves you more confused.
It's colloquially called clickbait.
I don’t quite agree here with this particular video, but I can see what you mean. that’s because I had to separate the golden nuggets or apples of his video before the added bits at the end of advertising and even in the beginning. He’s giving very abstract ideas and in hopes to spur us to take the courses while also giving some tools, or something to look more into.
What left you confused here though?
I felt that the point was the principle of thought, and how in anything the quality of the parts that make the core feed the creation or outputs. A way to break things down.
Lol so true.
@@LazyOtaku it seems pretty clear to many of other commenters.
This is one of the most important things I've learned in my life.
this vid. is bs, First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
@@RR-et6zp yes it is to assume (first principles) rationally versus to observe rationally
AMAZING animation. I like how minimal and simple, yet clear and illustrates the point
Buddy please never stop making videos they are amazing and your prospective of looking at things are also really awesome so much to learn . And thank you for making this video
Checkout my channel also for more awesome videos like this ... :D
Main thought: first master fundmentals
That’s a big part of it. But, if I could elaborate: master the fundamentals and create a structured body of knowledge. Being aware of how the information is organized in a subject and how it is hierarchically related is really important so that you can alter the layer at which you analyze.
You know your stuff, appreciate that.
Mastering is quite subjective.
I think when it comes to human brains, it can be defined as "good enough" knowledge. In the sense, as "good as it works". If you find something that works and fits, add it to the tree. You can update and optimize it later.
thanks very helpful thought
You should try following your own advice before attempting to give advice to others.
Great video, I quite agree. One thing my earliest mentors always insisted upon was the importance of getting to the crux of a matter, distilling down to the core and fundamental parts of a given thing. Principles first thinking, boiling down to how and why a thing works, is essential to powerful thinking and successful endeavors. One must follow a line of reasoning down to the core principles to really have any meaningful understanding of a topic. Great video indeed.
I love that you are explaining first principles thinking using an analogy.
Good video. First principal thinking helped me get better at math for the past 2 years. Before I was just trying to memorize the answer but then I realized that I had to understand basic math concepts in order to understand the more complex concepts
Drawing helped me think like this
Thanks for this video! I applied this thought process to learn the fundamentals accounting (the subject I used to struggle in) and now I am one of the best in my class. Thank you so much!
First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
@@RR-et6zpcan you pls explain in very simply , iam a dumb guy 😅, I guess it's so complex
Exceptional work! This needs to be a key part of our education... however it is currently not taught at all, and is root of a vast array of our problems.
I like how your videos are easy to understand, yet difficult to acknowledge. The words you use and the ways you represent them (on screen) make it so that even I, whose mother-language isn't english, can understand. Thanks for all the work ! (By the way, can I quote you in an article I'm writing for a blog ? Just to be sure.)
Another great educational Video! I really like the style of your visuals (the colors, the transitions, the animations), the way you structure and explain the topic. Keep it up! :D
Thanks! The art for this video was done by Arianna Belotti (she also animated the school videos). She’s really talented
Applying Practical principal for Creating Systematic layered Knowledge maps for New Innovations , and Development, from Concrete Proving Concepts or a Way of Consolidating Complex unrelated and Abstract Ideas Ontologically .This Third Approach Could lead to A more Dynamic way of learning and finding Real life Structural Solutions for Complex Engineering problems ,Ex Reducing or Reverse engineering biological systems , to enzymes, DNA , Transcription, Chemical systems to Physical and Quantum representation , Computer systems to Binary and Mathematical inductive Approach ,Ex.Algorithms and Data Structure, user interface
Today I Learned that I have always been a first principles thinker.
I knew you were gonna bring up first principles, and I love it!
This video really hit me deep..... it made me feel some sparks way way down in my depths. Thanks for the quality content.
I use this concept in Algebra. Understanding what I’m looking for and then using my toolbox of compounded numbers, exponents, equations, formulas, terminology to find the answer feels nice.
me after learning PEMDAS
can u tell me how please ?
I'm gonna try this in probability.. It's literally killing me
These principles are very true and are nearly identical to those found in System Engineering Management (SEM). In SEM we also have the System Engineering process where the high level functional requirement is broken down into the lower levels and components. This is an accurate quantified process, followed by integration to deliver a high level product which is consistent in it's design/ composition.
Inspiring, I love how clear your videos are! Plus the art style is amazing!
Unbelievable! I instantly subscribed your channel. This minimalistic animation is so beautiful to watch and the content is so interesting.
I think this is very good advice. What I would also encourage people to do is learn to always realize that, even if they believe they are operating from first principals, that they are fallible. In this regard, our egos are not our friends. Learning is much easier when one does not identify 'self' with 'belief'. Or, to but it more succinctly, "It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so."
i second that. Though we can, if we do, reduce a subject to its fundamental elements and have drawn a hierarchy; one must always realize like how they found electrons, and neutrons when they thought atom was indivisible; and furthermore went down to breaking down electrons to some combination of quarks and minuscule particle we don't remember in our daily life, other people too will, or maybe even you when you try, will always go down deeper to understand these things with your microscopic sense of knowledge-attainment.
Do not believe that its the end when you could draw up a working (keyword: working because all of the smaller components you have collected is true, and hence have a hierarchical relation and are dependent on one another; and also that you could prove that it works that way) collection of components; there are always more people who would further, or have already further broken it down, and we must always be in the lookout for a much deeper and rich understanding.
a reminder, if you put a link to the previous video in the description or at the beginning of the video, those who are curious about the series but stumbled into the middle can find the previous parts more easily. Similarly, if you link to the next video in the series a random person will more easily find the next part in the series.
I'm so glad I found out about this channel. Its always gives the most useful information that you cant find easily elsewhere
Hey man, great video. Very interesting and definitely got me thinking. One thing I would really appreciate in order for me to truly understand the concepts you are laying out is to use examples. Otherwise, everything is too abstract and hard to grasp. We all have different ways of thinking but I think a few examples where you use "First principles" thinking, other than the tree which is itself too abstract (mainly because you connect it with other things like the "tree of knowledge") really would have convinced me that you're right. Just my 2 cents. Keep up the fantastic content! Looking forward to the next one
Want to become good at this? Study the three following areas.
1:Logic (TRUE Logic it should have some equations that look like this ~p & q -> ~t )
2: Mathematics (True mathematics. Honestly it may be best for you to start with discrete mathematics to understand what I mean when I say "true mathematics")
3: Computer Science (True computer science, not these programming degrees that a lot of universities call computer science. In order to understand CS truly you would have to take both computer science and computer engineering at most universities to get it.)
The first one teaches you how to evaluate things at the most basic fundamental levels. If you practice and become good at it, you would be able to break down anything that is said and see if it falls into the category of logical fallacy, and to make sure it's a WFF (Well formed formula). If it is a logical fallacy it can't be true, if it's not a WFF it also can't be true. If it is a WFF and not a logical fallacy then it is called 'logically consistent' meaning that the only time it can be untrue is if the premises are untrue. An example of a untrue logically consistent argument would be "if god exists and the universe exists, then god created the universe, god exists, therefore the universe was created." This is a WFF but logic has no baring on the truth of the variables used, those must be determined individually, another example of a WFF would be "If doesn't god exists and the universe does exist, then god didn't create the universe, god doesn't exist and the universe does exist, therefore god did not create the universe." Both are logically true, but may not be actually true. Logic is a way to determine somethings truth assume that the premises and conclusions are true. So both my statements above are true, but are contradictions to each other.
The second one I often hear people say that they hate, and honestly I think that is because of how you were taught math. In complete honesty, I recommend using Kahn academy from pre-school math, up through calculus, diffeq, linear algebra, and beyond. I think that understanding math is THE single best way to improve your life period. Why? Because math does not just deal with quantities, it deals with an understanding of the universe that cannot be matched. If you learn all of mathematics, and then take a physics course, it will change the way you view your life and the universe around you completely. You will see things you never noticed before. Things that appear to be reserved for the extremely intelligent that you think 'I could never do that' become every day things that are so simple to you that you feel connected in a new and satisfying way. It GIVES you power, unbelievable power to actualize your ideas and thoughts in a way no other system can.
As an example, when I first took physics and learned about kinematics I was blown away by not only how simple it was to calculate things I thought would be difficult, but I started viewing the world differently. I recall walking to my physics lap early in the morning, and paying attention to my feet as I walked. It was a cold morning in November and I was wearing a heavy winter coat with nobody around in the center of my universities main mall. I knew how my body was converting my energy with each step I took to propel me forward, and how gravity was fighting that change every step. My brain was sending electromagnetic signals to not only make me move forward, but also to make me think about what I was doing, being able to observe it. I knew I could apply math to the entire system around me. I was wearing a coat to keep my internal heat in and reduce the amount that was being taken from the environment. It's extremely satisfying to know all this.
If you think you can't learn math, then I am going to tell you that you're wrong. I am sorry that it was taught to you so poorly, but please trust me when I say you definitely can learn it. It probably won't be easy to start, even frustrating, but don't give up. I promise you it will become easy with time. When I first took calculus I had a hard time understanding it (mostly because of the teacher in this case) and I ended up with a C at the end of the class. I retook it because I didn't think I knew it well enough, and got an A in calc 1, and 2, but Physics is what solidified some of the concepts in math for me, like what derivatives and integrals were.
Now, I can literally do calculus in my sleep. I know this because I have had my father wake me up and ask me a question to which I replied with a calculus formula and went into detail about what it was. When I woke up more and realized what I was doing, I checked my math and it still checked out while I was awake. You can do it! Learn math fully!
Computer Science might seem like an odd thing to add to this list, but I can assure you it's not. All three of the topics I mentioned build off of each other in various ways. Computer science gives you an understanding that basic mathematics and logic do not. It's completely practical in it's approach. In other words, it allows you to build systems that can be implemented physically, and using those systems you can create things that are so complex in their understanding of the universe that the average person cannot fathom them.
Good luck on your journey, should you choose to take it!
i need someone to remind me to read this again later
@@tammemmaaref3544 its time to read this again my friend
@@rajansubedi7000 thanks i really appreciate it.
I 100% agree with you. Realy cant agree more.
Have to say I am pretty lucky to have the ability to understand concepts and patterns pretty easily in relatively short timeperiod, i am also very perceptive. Many times when i head somewhere i think of the world i see in physical rules. Just like you described.
But on the other hand, i am very totally fucking lazy, and i hate my self for that, but i cant help it. I wish to learn how to program, but i cant get my self into it. I know it is an important ability to know, maybe the most important ability in 21. century.
So yeah, all you said is true, but when you have a mindset like me you are fucked... I need to get into a deep level crisis, in order for me to wake up i guess...
DzaMiQ I was the same way, this video was the entrance to my rabbit hole with this kinda stuff. Once you start don’t stop. It’s easier than you think ua-cam.com/video/ekMFYCgVotM/v-deo.html
Music definitely helped me understand the importance of first principles thinking. I can look at someone playing a masterful solo and be bedazzled by it. I can take the time and effort to copy their moves exactly, and I'll eventually be able to play that perfect guitar solo. However, if I take out the time to understand the scales and the notes that go into making that solo, I'll not only be able to play that solo but also create my own. I use this method to learn anything in life now and it works brilliantly in making important business decisions, life decisions and even in understanding what you're really good at to make a career out of it.
Great video thanks!
This is the best explainer of first principles thinking I've come across. Thanks!
Most valuable UA-cam content I came accross during the last 5 years. Thank you !
Who came here after watching Elon Musk?
Me
…
Bro how did you know that? 😂😂😂
@@bloodeagle2445 Because I came here the same way.
Lucas
My take-aways:
Deep/good-quality knowledge comes from facts and rational organization.
First principle thinking is a way to rationaly organize knowledge which focuses on breaking things down to their most fundamental elements and understand the different layers which makes the thing up from its most elements elements to its visible/finished reality.
Though I'm not so convinced by the example on how to make a good book, the idea of layers is well represented with the letters being the most fundamental elements, they compose the words, words compose sentences, sentences paragraph, etc. This approach of first principles and layers is really interesting. It applies very well for technology and programmation. If you study computer you will realize its all about layers of abstraction, from the basics electric signals running in the hardware up the graphical interfaces, passing to different layers of abstractions (kernel, OS, low-level elements, high-elements).
More broadly, as said in the video, I also find this first-principle/hierarchy-organization approach epecially strong for teaching/learning as well as optimizing and innovating systems. Technology is the best example I can think of where the three applies very well.
First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
I love what you're doing! Keep up the great creations!
Loved this series, thanks Freedom in Thought!
I wish every teacher in high school understand the importance of this!!
True, im grade 8 right now and out of all the teachers ive had, there have only been one that used the first principle
This is really interesting; I've always been able to explain just about anything I know at a high(er) level to anyone on a more fundamental level no matter who they are, and I believe this principle is a reason why. I also believe this is something that you are born either better or worse at, like any other intuitive skills
Thank you for making these videos for a platform that needs more learning
Thank you this video helped me so much. I couldnt even think anymore and i was just wondering what went wrong with the way i was normally thinking why cant i go back to thinking back like that. This video brought me back
This is usually how my brain works but I just called it “reverse engineering”. Didn’t know it was a big thing. I’ve thought about how to reduce poverty and violence since I live near both. The conclusion is education. I’ve reversed engineered this issue in my head multiple times and it comes down to education. I guess I can call it first principal now but I like mine better. Good video!
Same. TIL rationality has been rebranded as “first principle thinking” lol
Omg! I've been "reversed engineering" too about the same issues, and my conclusion comes down to education as well!! I guess we're on the right track ☺️.
"The conclusion is education." True, but excessively abstract and therefore not actually a conclusion. Which specific methods of providing said education do you think would be effective? By the way, I don't think I need to say this but just in case, that isn't to be confused with "which methods of providing said education do you _want_ to think would be effective". Those two notions are rather distinct.
We have had a very similiar thought patterns! I totally agree with that it is the education. Not just the ''public school fragmented knowledge'' . It is this, understanding of fundamentals/first principle . Basic Geometry, math, logic and grammar. Then its up to ones creativity and courage what one does with it / applies to.
First principles thinking consists of deriving things to their fundamental proven axioms in the given arena, before reasoning up by asking which ones are relevant to the question at hand, then cross referencing conclusions based on chosen axioms and making sure conclusions don't violate any fundamental laws. Physicists include counterintuitive concepts with reiteration.
Great values on processing info!!!!!!!superb explaination
Thanks 🙏
Your videos make me smile! I was smiling the entire video. Thank you so much for that!
This video is pure gold! Just loved it
its more about how Great thinkers/philosophers think. Power is much more subjective than that
How would you define power? This is a part 2 to my last video on power where I defined it and laid out my framework.
Freedom in Thought I believe understanding things to their core is something crucial and important to become powerful too. But we see some people all the time who are highly influential and considered "powerful"...not all of them possess great knowledge. The thing which sets them apart from the great thinkers is that they understand how the world works and they are good at manipulating the system to their advantage. Yeah I watched your previous video, this is just my opinion on power :)
Would you not agree that if certain powerful people understand how the world works and they are good at manipulating people then they have a certain understanding of truth that allows them to accomplish the things they do? I would say those kinds of people have enough of an understanding of truth to accomplish what they have but their understanding of truth is not sufficient enough to last which is why they usually meet their doom
Freedom in Thought yes exactly! Even power fades away
+lJ Power will be fake when the species goes rightfully extinct.
man, your channel is really fantastic! keep up the great work! 💪 im so glad to see that im not the only one who makes videos about these kind of topics!
Good presentation and video. I agree on the first principle thinker. Breaking down matter or a concept of an idea to its fundamentals can benefit greatly to a person true understanding of the world around him/her. I'm using the principle in understanding Natural Law and Hermeticism.
Knowledge is power. This video is so enlightening. Thank you!
It's pretty cool that I've known this concept for years, but am just now getting a label and a philosophy for it.
I was made aware of this by learning how to learn things, by school subjects. They made the comparison of teaching kids math and teaching kids history. To learn math imagine going from the top, down a vertical line of topics. You can't skip subjects, you have to learn something to keep going down that line. In that way anyone can be a mathematician, if you have the interest, discipline, and patience to learn basic to advance in order.
When you think about it, all of math from say The Big Bang Theory's chalk boards are two operations: Addition, and Subtraction. The rest is understanding the rules, order, and shortcuts of operations. That's, it
Now compare that to history. Imagine that history is a horizontal line. To teach a kid history, you can jump to anywhere on the line, and that kid will have a pretty complete understanding of that event. He doesn't need to know about the French Revolution to understand the American Revolution, even tho they happened practically at the same time.
You don't have go from left to right on the line, just jump to wherever you want. To be an historical expert, you can literally concentrate on one topic. You don't have to know everything
So this video was pretty cool. I'll be sure to share it with my friends
"morphemes" are the component parts of a word. Letters are just functional phonetic representations of how we write these meaningful sounds.
This guy understands. This video is about reductionism, not first principles.
Reductionism is about using component parts from a given model.
First principles is about creating models.
Reductionism would make you think you can teach someone language by teaching them letters / conjugations etc.
No. People learn language first by speaking it. The structure of that language is understood by analysis of the subject itself. Linguistics provides us with _models_ - but those models are still models.
Reductionism is using the periodic table.
First principles is inventing a periodic table.
Reductionism is using the Bohr model.
First principles is coming up with the quantum physical interpretation.
I'm forever happy you gave it a name and put it in this _form_ thank you!
Thank you. I've been looking for this kind of information for at least 2 eternities
You got it wrong :( Why """letters""" would be the first principles of an essay ? I would say the first component of an well-written essay is the concept itself/the meaning hidden behind each words, that's what determines the postulate and the very first idea behind the essay.
wouldn't it actually be the case that, whatever the first principles of observation are, would be the first principles of the concept and it's meaning? ;]
can we be friends?
This gets at an interesting problem with first principle thinking. One must be capable of finding out the first principle and perhaps there is no such thing? Or maybe it is impossible to discover it through sense experience or current technology? Maybe one can always keep dividing a principle and finding more fundamental parts. In physics the atom was thought to be the fundamental particle of the universe. Then our ability to observe deeper improved and protons, electrons and neutrons were discovered. Now we have discovered even more fundamental particles like strings and quarks. It may be that there are an unlimited number of more fundamental parts and that we are simply dividing to infinity.
An essay is the _medium_ of the concept, so would a spoken work, or even a multi-modal medium like a documentary.
When talking about an essay in *itself* the first principles of an essay-to *best accomplish the effect of acting as a medium for a concept*-would be the basic components that make up an essay, which are the letters, which make up the words, which make up the sentences, and so on.
This video producer did not get it wrong, the basic principles of the two objects were just misconstrued. Where that misconstruction happened, I will leave to you, “Wolfgang.”
Yes, I believe the video's example of essay is wrong. That's like saying that with painting, you have to learn paint. To hold paint, you need your hand. To use your hand you need to understand muscle control. To control muscle, you need to train. Some people may go as deep and question the connection between motion and painting, but maybe looking at paintings from the observer perspective is the right approach. So for the essay, it revolves around the reader.
I would say what comes after sentence is grammar, not words. Then words. Then etymology. Then that's just ideas and association. Letters are a detail.
The video is really good, but i would go further and say that this kind of thinking is usefull not just to earn power, but for the everyday life as well
hello my name is Ahmad Shoib from Afghanistan. I am really proud of you man with such description of topics. thanks and please upload more videos.
What a great breakdown of first principles. Awesome video. Liked and subscribed. Thank you.
When i see i have been using first principles for 20 years:
You know
Im something of a scientist myself
Teach
Optimize
Innovate
Learn
TOIL sounds about right when you're a First Principles Thinker!
This video was so smooth in presenting this idea, thanks for making it 😁
This has been so helpful to hear. Thank you!
Empirical studies of experts repeatedly demonstrate that experts hold MULTIPLE representations of their knowledge. Frequently, ONE of those representations is organized around core principles, but not only that. Another thing we've learned from studying experts in various domains is that they frequently PROVIDE first principle solutions to problems that they did not actually solve through using first principles but actually by other means/reasoning (using other representations of their knowledge) with the result that accounts of using first principles are not as common as believed--even by those giving them. That is, domain experts use multiple knowledge representations to reason, analyze and solve problems. Lastly, because our knowledge is organized around first principles does not at all mean that we first learned the frist principles and then built our knowledge around them. There is a dynamic relationship between first principles and other categories of knowledge and my observation is that in academia first-principles is over-emphasized in teaching contexts. Newton's three laws are the MOST abstract statement of physical laws (principles) and so starting with those when teaching is starting with knowledge most alien to novices, contradicting the pedagogical principle of "Start where your students are." While those laws when deeply understood and richly elaborated are extremely powerful for experts, they are often inaccessible or only superficially understood in even a year of studying physics, so not powerful for novices.
Interesting thank you
This is funny because a few months ago I can up with a concept that I use to learn. I enjoy learning new things, and people are amazed at how fast and how deeply I can learn a subject. Programmers love to use and utilize the Divide and conquer method, basically breaking a problem down into its simplest parts. I broke down the way I learn into three different parts, which are "understanding the concepts" than "understanding how those concepts work in a bigger picture" than "understanding how to implement those concepts."
Understanding first principles helps alot with intelligence and it's application. Intelligence being defined as the ability to use knowledge already acquired to learn theorize etc about something else. Because you take into account the fundamentals and connect it to a existing framework or like branches on a tree as I believe the video gives an analogy for.
Essentially you can use the basic concept to learn better and faster. Then your have a wider pool of knowledge to apply to the next issue, etc. Becoming exponentially more intellectually capable as time goes on rather than plateauing. And it's easier to retain that knowledge and intellect because it's all interwoven. It's easy to forget a fact in isolation but if you can relate it to others then it binds to those other memories and is hard to truly forget.
This was a brilliant video. Very insightful and beautifully explained. Many thanks 🙏🏻
3:33 "An idea that blooms from true and beautiful First Principles, will in itself be beautiful and true!"
The master key 🔑
Every education channel is sponsored by the "Great Courses Plus"
Yeah, they’re a great fit!
Also: Squarespace
Earth Traveler how do you think the great courses plus made their website?
@@ethanrepublic4554 lol
Or brilliant.org or curiositystream.com
A very insightful video! I'm glad to have watched it and will work on assimilating and applying this way of thinking and analysis..
Applying Practical principal for Creating Systematic layered Knowledge maps for New Innovations , and Development, from Concrete Proving Concepts or a Way of Consolidating Complex unrelated and Abstract Ideas Ontologically .This Third Approach Could lead to A more Dynamic way of learning and finding Real life Structural Solutions for Complex Engineering problems ,Ex Reducing or Reverse engineering biological systems , to enzymes, DNA , Transcription, Chemical systems to Physical and Quantum representation , Computer systems to Binary and Mathematical inductive Approach ,Ex.Algorithms and Data Structure, user interface
Great Video and concept.. If I may say.. First principle is like start people from what they know to the unknown which eventually brings everyone to the final knowing
What is the title to the next video on "The Dangers of Being a First Principle Thinker"
Yay upload ♥️
This channel is pure gold.
By far the best video I have ever watched on the topic
Holy shit, I realised that I have tried to be a first principle thinker for all these years without knowing
All new learning requires a foundation of prior knowledge
Which means first principle thinking applies because when you get down to all of the elements (even deep to quantum level) you'll begin to see how all things work. Like Elon mentioned, it's going to be hard work, but it's the most efficient way. So Honda said "timing is everything", watch the time, and see how much detail we can crunch into our understanding of the "world".
Which implies that we either know nothing or we are born with some knowledge already in our minds..
Thank you I did have new concept of thinking because of your video
I really like your clean & non click bait video thumbnails.
Before going down this path you should consider you're likely to be more and more alone. Maybe not lonely. But for sure the better your thinking the less you are going to fit in. You likely will become more bored with others. For some people this is OK. But many people crave social interaction and imo this path would be ruinous.
All the dislikes from second principle thinkers
Wonderful! Great presentation on the subject.
Excellent :
The right way of reason and science.
It starts with a good, "Thought Experiment".
Your voice is so good
Hahaha thanks
Ever listen to Zack from JerryRigsEverything
+Freedom in Thought Yeah, you should of been a voice actor instead.
Amazing!!!
truly great content. people who are back lashing this video clearly have not absorbed its information in great detail.
First principles👍 A classic🙂 The very essence of a powerful mind!
Great video and nice animation too...Great job👍
No wonder Aristotle has a problem with emergent qualities.
UPDATE: My results came out today. GUYS I GOT 9A*S 😭😭 thank you lorddd THANK YOU!!!
guys
i am worried
i am so so so worried
i have my gcses in 2 months
and mocks before that so actually i have only 1 month left to prepare
the thing is, i do get the highest grade in my class
but i didnt really study consistently and only by studying in the last days before an exam i got those good grades
but i know for gcses i have to work really really hard, i am aiming for A*. But you know, i waste so much time because i am so used to studying only in the last days. It's like i can't study until i am under serious pressure. I've tried studying, but i always end up achieving nothing. I can't achieve the goals i set for myself, and i dont want to study in the last days for gcses, i want to give them my absolute best.
I am facing so much stress and anxiety, i really want to study but i can't
pls anyone help me
Hey 👋 take a deep breath. Have you seen my video on focus? I would start small. Just do one pomodoro a day starting today (only 30 minutes of work). If you feel like working on then just keep working. But, if you don’t then stop. People who procrastinate often have trouble just getting started. Schedule at least 30 minutes of work every morning from now on and stick to that schedule. See how you feel after the first 30 min, you’ll most likely just keep working after
ButAHumbleKnight Yes you are right, phewww, i just need to calm down. I can do this! Thank you btw, you don't know how much words like these relax me. :)))
Freedom in Thought Yes, i feel like focus definitely is my weak point. Thank you sooo much. phewww. Yes i can do this! :)))
ayesha siddiqa don't worry too much, you can do it! I'm gonna tell you now though, your GCSE'S are nothing compared to A levels, so choose your subjects wisely
Hey Ayesha! Best of luck with your GCSEs, I came out badly but got 4 A*s at A Level. Please, if you like using mind maps to revise then reply as I have a great method for memorising information relatively quickly, that also works with the Pomodoro method :)
I love those beautiful animated, explained videos! ❤👌💯
Im so glad and surprised that Thats how i have been thinking my whole life.. without even knowing it.
I am very curious person since childhood.