A Suparna Sengupta Blog

   Break the Rules. Challenge Assumptions. Build from Scratch. "I tend to approach things from a physics framework. Physics teaches you to reason from first principles rather than by analogy." — Elon Musk Most people think by analogy. They look around, copy what others are doing, and tweak it slightly. They build businesses like existing businesses, run their lives like their peers, and make decisions based on what seems “normal.” But the innovators — the game-changers — don’t do that. They think differently. They think from the ground up. They think from first principles . And in this blog, I’ll show you how you can too. Whether you're building a startup, designing your career, or solving a frustrating life problem, First Principles Thinking is the mental model that will set you apart from 99% of people, because it forces you to challenge assumptions and create original solutions. Let’s dive in. 🧠 What is First Principles Thinking? At its core, First P...

    Clarify the Real Problem “A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.” Think: Write one laser-specific statement of what you want to solve, change, or create. Include target metrics, time frame, and constraints. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 2️⃣ Surface Every Assumption List everything you believe about this problem — the “shoulds,” “have-tos,” and “can’ts.” Don’t filter; get it all out. # Assumption Evidence for? Evidence against? Keep / Question / Trash 1 2 3 4 5 3️⃣ Dig Down to First Principles For each assumption you decide to question , ask “Why?” until you reach a fact that cannot be reduced further (physics, math, logic, or indisputable data). Chain of Whys Fundamental Truth Reached Quick check: Does this truth depend on trends or opinions? ✗ Is it universally valid? ✓ 4️⃣ R...