The First Principles Method Explained by Elon Musk

[@marssilvergold3967]

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

[@trumanray2525]

mind blown!!!!

[@masterchief5437]

First-principles thinking is one of the best ways to reverse-engineer complicated problems and unleash creative possibility. Sometimes called “reasoning from first principles,” the idea is to break down complicated problems into basic elements and then reassemble them from the ground up. It’s one of the best ways to learn to think for yourself, unlock your creative potential, and move from linear to non-linear results.

[@blackcat30stm]

Mars Silvergold al.birth.ein.stein.

[@johnestiller9687]

The fact is he did not said that exact words instead what he really said was "The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophe." and he is saying it on the specific subject. Also, I believe Einstein would have not create the theory of relativity if without first principle/physics approach ;)

[@richardshane456]

'Time is a biological construct' Time is only relevant to the human finite experience of observation of nature Mathematics is the result of kinetic force observed by a finite biological entity that has manipulated nature by mathematics creating always subsets of reality Mathematics states in it's own laws of mathematical preponderance that Mathematics will always rank lower than reality or imagination therefore Mathematics can only recreate sub sets of reality called nature as inferior mathematically recreations of nature. Professor Einstein went off on a tangent with this "time" Reality, our existence has been created by kinetic forces coalescing into an elementary particle reality... if you want to use the first Principal concept of the Mathematical construct of Nature with digits...lmao.... Maybe Eon will hit u back... Good day

[@LiquidityTrading]

Step 1: Identify any assumptions that you may have (batteries are $600/KwH - they're too expensive) Step 2: Breakdown the issues (the fundamentals - what materials go into a battery? Can I find them for cheap?) Step 3: Create new solutions (use your fundamental analysis and knowledge to create a solution)

[@youwhatmadeidk]

Concordia Investing nice, found someone that gets it

[@masterchief5437]

Troubleshooting 101

[@richardshane456]

It's called common sense

[@ButeSound]

Now cost about $100 per kwh

[@ChitFromChinola]

It’s not common sense. Not sure why people say that. Common sense would lead you to stick with the horse, because common sense tells you that cars are too expensive and need too much infrastructure for support - any dummy can see that the horse is better. First principles requires you to break free of common sense to analyze the core causes of the problem - the reasons for expensive cars or expensive batteries - then figure out a solution. If it was common sense, disruptive change would be common. Instead, disruptive change is incredibly rare. Common sense - or as Musk calls it, thinking by analogy - leads you to avoid change and preserve the status quo. That’s why uncommon innovation comes from new entrants to a market, not the established players. The new entrants are not bogged down by common sense, and so are free to think differently.

[@wizardofrosss]

He's spot on when he says it takes mental energy - it takes a lof of effort and concentration to think deeply. You can feel your brain heat up from the load. But that's the only way.

[@carterpaul2688]

That's how the big money is made

[@iche9373]

Elon thought really deep when he bought Twitter

[@anmolagrawal5358]

@@iche9373 Lol. Idk, he seemed like a guy with great potential early on but the recent popularity of him getting all over the news and richness might have got to him perhaps. I hope that's not the case though

[@14isoldenough]

@@anmolagrawal5358he's full of shit

[@user-kg1od9es5d]

@@anmolagrawal5358 i agree. im not convinced twitter was a good buy.

[@CarrsMill]

In 1976 my maths teacher told me this when I was 13 years old, and I've held it to be ever since, and it's served me well.

[@jinxabyss1484]

You're 58 now

[@FiloVFX]

@@jinxabyss1484 You'd make his math teacher proud

[@CUNDUNDO]

Are you also on the Forbes list ?

[@jkaanta8555]

Glad to see Elon encouraging 1st principles approach to problem-solving and innovation with a wider audience. This is the way engineers and scientists learn to think during school, because it usually gives useful, fact-based answers. It can also make us awkward and tedious to talk to :D

[@inconnu4961]

Very awkward and tedious. But so very enriching and valuable too!

[@ydne]

Quarkie boson buddies who attract the opposite forces in magnetic orbit shells by charming the electron by colorful matter?

[@iche9373]

Elon is a damned right-winger, not a scientist/engineer

[@jkaanta8555]

@@iche9373 Lately, yes. He's gone round the bend.

[@iche9373]

@@jkaanta8555 Yea, I wish I could agree, but that would be ableist in a latent way.

[@Geotubest]

Many years ago a brilliant friend of mine (a Phd from Berkeley) explained first principles to me in the context of the pursuit of good grades. I thought "what the heck, I'll give it a try." Applied it to graduate business school and graduated #1 in the class. Prior to that I was a mediocre student. It works.

[@playdoughfunrs]

What was his explanation

[@derekjohnson9807]

Ya what was his explanation

[@Geotubest]

@@derekjohnson9807 Well, it's like this.. .I'll describe what my friend said to me in 3 steps. 1) Don't fear learning. No matter the subject, just go into it with an open mind... no preconceptions on how hard or easy it is. Sometimes a subject can psyche us out. F'or some people, they'll think for example "math is too hard for me". Delete that from your mind.. 2) Listen to the professor. Listen to the lectures.. You might not even have to take notes during the lecture. Just listen intently. and 3) Understand.. and try not to memorize. This is where first principles come in. Understand concepts at their fundamental level. Just for a quick example off the top of my head.. Let's say we're talking about electric cars. It can get quite complicated when we go into the deep details and technology of the car itself, but fundamentally it's a battery on wheels. From there, the car is overlaid with various hardware and software to run various functions like autonomous driving, but I hope you get the idea. I hope this helps.

[@derekjohnson9807]

@@Geotubest that makes a lot of sense, this was very helpful, thanks. I think I (and probably other ppl too) would benefit from applying this method to a lot of things in life because I often overthink things or go into an experience with expectations and just simplifying things could clear a lot of situations up in my mind.

[@Geotubest]

@@derekjohnson9807 I hear you. The world gets a lot simpler, more understandable, if you are able to provide those principles. It helped me anyway. Do apply logic too. Best wishes and good luck to you.

[@daniel_960_]

And 6 years later this made him leading in every category he touched. By far.

[@jont2576]

i think 6 years ago he was already leading in every category he touched.....lmao......what is it with gen z and their frame of reference who seems to think now is the be all end all,and history did not exist beyond 7 or 8 years ago tops 10,,,,,even 10 years is a huge stretch for them to imagine....its almost like talking to a bunch of 12 year olds.....maybe 10, i mean elon musk was already super duper ruper popuper famous in the early 2010s.....and i remember there was a time before when elon musk was already super famous in the tech and electric community but not that super super super duper famous back in 2008 2009......he became like really famous when he became a billionaire in 2012......thats when forbes and every mainstream news channel and the whole goddam youtube not just the technos were talking about him...... i mean i remember watching this video for christ sake........he was already super super super duper duper quadruple famous by then.

[@cooperpayne]

@@jont2576 obviously this is all true but being gen z and 19 years old, how can you really expect me or others in my generation to have the historical context of all the events and social changes you've lived through? We are building our context of the last 30 years mostly through internet research. I was 12 when this video was posted.

[@hsdonn664]

And today he became the richest man in the world.

[@taicunmusic]

@@jont2576 You're fucking stupid dude

[@taicunmusic]

@@jont2576 No one fucking cares that you knew who Elon Musk was in 2007. You're still a loser.

[@thedevo01]

0:17 - BOY does "Me Too type ideas" have a different ring to it in 2020 than it did in 2013! lmfao

[@seyionutube]

Yeah...I was so thrown off there.

[@larslover6559]

Yes I thought I heard wrong. That phrase meant something else back then

[@evertwouda]

I can't figure out what it meant back then.

[@defco89]

copy cat... cooker cutter mentality... the way its been done is the way it always has to be done...

[@evertwouda]

@@defco89 thanks

[@kritisundurtv9606]

This guy makes me wanna learn physics

[@deeznutz8300]

This guy makes me want to puke

[@WHYNOTDOTTV]

@@deeznutz8300 using the first principles thinking you take puke and ask: what is it made off? 🤔

[@WHYNOTDOTTV]

It has been 5 months since you wrote that. How far did you get? You should be 5 months ahead of me. 👍

[@firefoxuser2557]

cant "learn" physics. takes YEARS of schooling and then university to understand physics concepts

[@WHYNOTDOTTV]

@@firefoxuser2557 because you got class.

[@davidleintz6752]

First Principles is very powerful. I have had to adopt this mentally truthfully because I have a terrible memory. I just can't remember all the 'steps.' Halfway through engineering school and I work as a math tutor - everything I do is first principles thinking. Reasoning through vector calculus? Reasoning through dynamics? Thermodynamics? All first principles. Haven't had to really remember anything. Start with the basic axions and reason up.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@Pete9071]

I think he’s saying: Analogy = Basing your ideas/reasons on what other people are doing/have done. First Principles = Breaking down the idea or thing into lots of different parts/characteristics and decide which bits are true/needed, so basically deciding based on the actual thing/idea you’re looking at, not taking into consideration other stuff that much.

[@PacificMoceans]

PetePreneur - Entrepreneur Vlog THANK YOUUUUUUU OMG LOL THIS SIMPLIFIED IT FOR ME

[@tiannimyers2978]

Basically, it's easier to make a decision based on past experiences bc that requires less energy from the brain vs analyzing what is true and formulating a solution. He’s saying to use philosophy over I’m going to do this bc that person did it and that’s just what it is. Often times we make a decision based on emotion and then find logical reasons on why not to make that decision and what he’s saying is dissect the problem first and find what is true and then work up from. Ultimately, base your decisions on truth(logic) and not emotion(phycology). Bc emotion is arbitrary.

[@omarkhan2131]

One-hundred percent agree !

[@BlueDreamBeats97]

The only part i disagree with is the multiple parts, its about boiling it down to what it truly is at its core and building up from there.

[@ashercamaisa1889]

f

[@7Earthsky]

This is why Einstein said ''Imagination is more important than knowledge''.

[@OldTimer16s]

That line is fucking stupid. No amount of imagination will get you anywhere if you havent first gathered a considerable knowledge database. Dont make potheads or anyone else who doesnt work hard/study, feel better about themselves.

[@ivandelarosa9408]

Who hurt you? Imagination? A Pot Head? A hobo? A smart man with an imaginiation is better than a smart man without one is basiclly what should be inferred. Not whatever you are going off on.

[@lizard1533]

@@OldTimer16sI think Einstein is saying that someone who is hard working and imaginative will be more successful that someone who is knowledgeable and hard working because they can see solutions to things that the knowledgeable one cant

[@lizard1533]

Also knowledge can be obtained imagination can't be

[@GayanWeerakutti]

So you're saying Einstien a dumb dumb?

[@OnePercentBetter]

Absolute gold here.

[@creepercrafters9711]

innomind he’s referring to Elon’s way of thinking and reasoning

[@kanha.sh4]

Emerald

[@Jomster13]

Actually it's cobalt 😁

[@id10t98]

@@Jomster13 mixed with some lithium!

[@xt3rm1nate1]

Gold is no Cobalt

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Tip for young interviewers: never interrupt Elon mid-thought with a show of your understanding. He is just warming up, struggling to find words, and your interruption makes him reset and start again. OR ... you’ll get it totally wrong and he will realise he can’t explain it to you, so he basically just talks to himself.

[@DillaCat]

Stfu

[@inconnu4961]

Ive noticed this before also. He basically thinks aloud.

[@BartmanSA]

So true. I saw that and I was like, oops, that's an error, just stay quiet and listen! It will all make sense if you just let him finish.

[@deand_walkabout8040]

Love how the interviewer makes an analogy to explain first principal thinking. IRONY

[@mr6462]

and making you sound clever is what stops you from becoming clever

[@leemartin2978]

You might want to see how Kevin Rose is doing ....hugely successful

[@TribalFuture]

ELON: "Think from first principles, not analogies." KEVIN: "Give me an analogy."

[@mltiago]

example, not analogy.

[@ultrastoat3298]

@@mltiago look at all the up votes he got for wrong shit though.

[@bikosankara7417]

"All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding and ends with reasons. There is nothing higher than REASON" Immanuel Kant

[@fatpotatoe6039]

Love him

[@hansyap5429]

you can use first principles everywhere. To determine what customers want, how to give it to them and much more.

[@joshburgess79]

I love how he used an analogy to explain reasoning from first principles.

[@3sm1rost84]

It's not an analogy, it's an example.

[@Unavailable8923]

It's okay if it was an analogy. I think analogies are good for communicating/explaining/teaching. First principles and analysis and better for thinking and problem solving.

[@adamesd3699]

I had the same thought. Maybe the best way to put it is that you need both.

[@Mrbfgray]

Analogies are fundamentally unavoidable. 😉

[@UziGameGP]

So us dumbasses could understand (thought it wasn't really an analogy).

[@rhythmandacoustics]

First Principles = Axiomatic Reasoning = Truth-Functionally True Propositions = A priori reasoning Example: A->B A therefore B Proposition A is a first Principle, which is used to derive proposition B. Definitions are also First Principles or Axioms.

[@snippletrap]

Yes and they didn't come from physics

[@simonr-vp4if]

Interviewer: "Can you give an example of reasoning from first principles?" Musk: "No, but can I instead interest you in a 5 minute waffle about horses and batteries?"

[@edgewrld]

damn elon so young in here...

[@86FxBdyCpe]

Having to constantly think about how to keep rockets flying and astronauts safe will quickly age anyone. This guy is amazing though.

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

@@86FxBdyCpe his sacrifice. is

[@hasinabanu2732]

"Give me an example." "Sure." *Thinks will say something in the line of apples are red* Elon Musk: Everyone thinks battery packs are expensive.

[@anmax]

at least it was simple enough that we could understand

[@CrowPlaysHD]

imo it was explained brilliantly easy and visual, esspecially in regards to context

[@enjayflave]

He applied first principles to developing the most powerful and cost effective rockets in the world. When asked how he was able to innovate in rocketry with no previous background, elon replied, “to start, I read a lot of books.”

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Reflect upon the Past. Embrace your Present. Orchestrate our Futures." --Artemis 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope’s strength re-steeled. But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain, We must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@LouMrCK]

Musk hasn't created anything, he put up the money, hired original thinkers, and then takes credit for their achievements. BTW, that's analogy on Muak's part, not First Thinking.

[@RnBLover1997]

Basically what Socrates told us over 2000 years ago. It is really effective but as Musk is pointing out, more challenging. It enforces humility unto ones self, and patience if there is no immediate answer.

[@bastianrivero]

Did you first agree to wear the same clothes? xD

[@roohi6]

Awe true 😊

[@AnnaLVajda]

Jeans and a black t shirt is a pretty common pairing.

[@chicxulub2947]

Yes, I did. I feel more comfortable and it's easier to live just wearing the same jeans and black shirt I have all the time I go out to anywhere. I'm getting tired of shoes.

[@bastianrivero]

White Rabbit i dont wear any clothes, specially with covid, i waste no time 😂

[@sigmazeta8]

I was thinking the same thing

[@sushrutsuns]

Man I get scared how I would be destroyed in any interview/presentation for this level of unstructured communication. I love musk for it though, shows how human he is XD

[@inconnu4961]

This is very humble of you to admit! Fertile ground for more expansive thinking if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Even if we dont attain Musk-like intellect, we would still be far improved from where we are!

[@chicxulub2947]

This is very great!! This is how I naturally think and question about things.

[@LouisHCampagna]

Per mobile computing. A. Portable computers: a product thinking by analogy. It's a desk computer that you can carry around! Like screwing a fan on top of a car to make it into a helicopter. B. Mobile tablets: a product of first principles thinking.

[@janovesakkestad7097]

First principle is to start with the first cause the reason behind the first consequence. Throw a stone in the water the stone create a circle and that circle creates a new circle intensifing one another

[@rahulprajapat3215]

And that's how he got to all the innovation at the 2020 battery day!

[@chiuchiutrain]

Watching this after the recent SpaceX launch, what a proud moment for Elon☺️

[@OMAR-vq3yb]

Slurp slurp slurp

[@NdxtremePro]

This doesn't account for massive leaps when bringing one set of experiences to another problem, allowing massive amounts of inference and original thinking without the hard work. Our minds are optimized for this, so not using it is rather wasteful. Now, analyzing the problem afterward to ensure your intuition is correct is in fact very wise. Einstein and Feynman were said to intuit the math in their bodies (from Feynman's notes), and then proving it with math.

[@Mal-vp6qn]

What a surprise! I'm on my way to deliberately search for some fundamental truths as building blocks, because I've been always feeling uncertain about the world and this leads to an inability to take actions. It requires hard work, but also needs to be done without delay !!! This video is a great encourage to me during this difficult journey. Thank you for sharing.

[@ThinkLikeaPhysicist]

Hi! You might be interested in my channel. I make videos on the skills physicists use to understand reality and draw conclusions about the universe. (I've actually got a video about Elon Musk's first principles coming out in about an hour!)

[@shyff2188]

Allah is Al Haqq (The Truth)

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

The truth is actually a perfect crystalline matrix... if you start with some of these axioms, that you are looking for, you can actually navigate to new nodes within the matrix, by performing valid logical transformations. Because of the law of non-contradiction, all truth is contained in this coherent crystal structure, however you may have trouble reaching some areas of the matrix, due to human limitations, your starting points, time constraints, etc. I suggest that you first develop your knowledge of truth in areas that allow you to increase your available options, by way of financial independence, by reaching 'critical mass' (the ability to live comfortably off the interest of your net worth, rather than your labor). While money does not equate to happiness, it does allow you to have more viable choices in life, and having more options allows you to choose a path that makes you maximally happy. This can be confirmed, by it's converse -- being stuck living paycheck to paycheck severely limits your options in life, so your happiness will mainly be decided by chance, instead of personal choice.

[@douglascutler1037]

This type of first principals thinking works very well in fields of engineering, rocket science and product development where physical objects answer to equations. But not so easily in fields of social media and human interaction which are infinitely more complex and unpredictable.

[@user-kg1od9es5d]

what you're comparing there is logic to human psychology - the latter is ofc very complex lol.

[@upsurgeagency3593]

I agree, to an extent. However, there is a vast realm of predictability when it comes to human emotion. There are a plethora of factors that govern human emotion (age, gender, culture, ethnicity, physiological makeup, genetic predisposition, etc.); and while these overwhelming number of variables can (on the surface) appear random & difficult to calculate..they still are, nonetheless, measurable. So, while we can not weigh & measure these things with absolute certainty, careful considerations of these variables in a more grander equation, can allow us to predict outcomes with seemingly God-like levels of probabilistic accuracy. ..It's better than nothing.

[@douglascutler1037]

@@upsurgeagency3593 Yours are good observations. On an individual scale certain tendencies of personality are relatively more predictable. I was thinking more in terms of the overwhelming complexities that occur when humans interact with each other at the societal level. Chaos theory applies. Small effects can have large consequences and maybe general patterns can be predicted but timing is extremely difficult like weather. In this case, Musk may have had a first principals plan when he first bought Twitter but I think it's safe to say it hasn't quite worked out so far. Looks like at the moment he's about $2OB in the hole. As a TSLA investor I do rather resent Musk taking out large TSLA profits for a social media effort where he seems over his head.

[@TFW_KB]

I really respect how he approaches financial growth-focused, strategic, and always thinking long-term. Such a great example

[@dianathompson7597]

Fact check old assumptions,, reality check everything. Great advise.

[@mrnicktop1]

Transcript as below ,just for sharing(如有翻譯不精確的地方請告知會再修正): And then I think it's also important to reason from first principles rather than by analogy. So the normal way that we conduct our lives is we reason by analogy. We're doing this because it's like something else that was done or it's like what other people are doing. Me too type ideas. Yeah, it's like iterations on a theme. And and. And it's because it's kind of mentally easier to reason by analogy rather than from first principles. But by first principles is kind of a physics way of looking at the world, and what that really means is. You kind of boil things down to the most fundamental truths and say, OK, what are we sure is true, or as sure as possible is true? And then reason up from there. That takes a lot more mental energy. Um. Example that like what's one thing that you've you've done that on that you feel is work for you. Sure. So somebody could say and in fact people do that battery packs are really expensive and that's just the way they'll always be because that's the way they've been in the past well. No, that's that's pretty dumb, you know, Because if if if you applied that reasoning to anything new, then you wouldn't be able to get to that new thing, right? So um. You know, it's like you can't say ohh, you know horses. Well, nobody wants a car because horses are great and we're used to them and they can eat grass. There's lots of grass all over the place and you know, there's not like a. There's no gasoline if people can buy. So people never gonna never get, never going to get cars, right? The people did say that. And and for batteries, they would say, oh, it's going to cost. You know in the historically it's cost $600.00 per $600. Per kWh and so. It's not going to be much better than that in the future. And you say, no, OK, well what? What are the batteries made of? So the first principles would say, OK, what are the material constituents of the batteries? What is the spot market value of the material constituents? So you can say, OK, it's got cobalt, nickel, aluminum, carbon and some polymers for separation and a seal can. So break that down on a material basis and say, OK, what if we bought that in London Metal Exchange, What would each of those things cost like Oh geez, it's like $80.00 So clearly you just need to think of clever ways to take those materials and combine them into the shape of a battery cell. And you can have batteries that are much, much cheaper than anyone realizes. 然後我認為從第一原理而不是類比推理也很重要。所以我們通常生活中的推理方式是通過類比。我們這樣做是因為這類似於以前做過的事情，或者類似於其他人正在做的事情。我也是這種想法。是的，就像對主題進行反復。而且。這是因為相對於從第一原理出發，通過類比推理在心理上更容易一些。但從第一原理出發更像是一種物理學的看世界方式，而這實際上意味著什麼。 你可以將事物歸結為最基本的真理，並說，好的，我們確定是真實的，或者盡可能確定是真實的是什麼？然後從那裡開始推理。這需要更多的心智能量。比如說，有沒有什麼事情你已經這樣做了，你覺得對你有用呢？當然。所以有人可能會說，事實上人們確實這樣做，事實上電池組是非常昂貴的，而且它們將永遠是這樣，因為過去就是這樣，嗯，這種想法相當愚蠢，你知道，因為如果你將這種推理應用到任何新事物上，那麼你就無法創造出那個新事物，對吧？ 所以，你不能說，噢，你知道，馬很棒，因為沒人想要汽車，因為我們習慣了馬，它們可以吃草。到處都有很多草，你知道，沒有汽油，人們就能買。所以人們永遠不會開汽車，對吧？人們確實這麼說過。而對於電池，他們會說，噢，這將花費。你知道，從歷史上看，每千瓦小時的成本是600美元。所以，將來不會比這好多少。你可以說，不，好吧，那麼電池由什麼組成？所以第一原理會說，好的，電池的材料成分是什麼？材料成分的現貨市場價值是多少？所以你可以說，好的，它有鈷、鎳、鋁、碳和一些用於分離的聚合物，還有一個封口。所以將其分解為材料基礎，然後說，好的，如果我們在倫敦金屬交易所買了這些東西，每個材料的成本會是多少，哦，天啊，大約80美元。 所以顯然，你只需要想出聰明的方法將這些材料結合成電池電芯的形狀。這樣你就能夠製造出比任何人都想像的便宜得多的電池。

[@Midnight44404440444]

This isn’t about finding derivatives from first principle :(

[@TBC1599]

lol

[@ukukudu]

First principle thinking can be a big game-changer for many people!

[@144Donn]

And indeed, these few years later, the man is correct!

[@pingukutepro]

The first principle had been taught 2500 years ago and it is public knowledge. Yet people don't use them, ignorant of the first principle. Another great barrier for people to use the first principle is their emotion & feeling.

[@CarlosElPeruacho]

When he said the 4860 was a couple years down the line for mass production, I don't think investors were aware of how long Tesla's been working on this problem, and how remarkably close they had to be to announce this stuff at an event. It doesn't end here, not by a long shot.

[@PocketProjects]

It's funny how Elon himself almost wrapped himself up in using an analogy to explain another analogy before realising he was losing the host and managed to bring it back to his point of First Principles by explaining that only by firstly understanding the constituent parts of a battery could anyone make an argument against them. . .

[@ivan5692]

Musk gives a perfectly fine definition of reasoning by first principles, then the interviewer asks him for an example so he can reason by analogy.

[@torin6258]

Most people reason by analogy so it is helpful in explaining the concept.

[@quincyalfonz]

But it wasn't an analogy. It was a description of how the cost of rockets have always been perceived by the market. Analogies require figurative language(metaphors, similes,etc.) and Elon didn't use any of these things.

[@jakebrowning2373]

An example to illustrate a definition isn't an analogy

[@crackwitz]

The biggest mistake academic wannabes make is to wank over definitions without *animating* those skeletons using examples.

[@reasonablyserious]

As Elon is trying to explain the method and says it's more difficult, it may be a necessary step for actually grasping the concept. You need to learn to talk before you can actually speak

[@liamguedez6782]

Literally the BEST advice EVER and perhaps the best advice POSSIBLE!!

[@roostermcraw8007]

I love that you two coordinated outfits. So cute!

[@xrxs1020]

First Principle thinking is simply finding something that is provable and true, and basing one's thoughts on that, using logic and facts.

[@user-kg1od9es5d]

no you're generalising it quite a lot. first principles thinking is boiling things down into its simplest form such that one can challenge assumptions that have been made in the past to create a new set of possibilities which can then be tested and form the output of the innovation process.

[@maxamadamiin]

Question from Quora brought me here.

[@sadik.oagile6779]

mohamed ali Wow me too 😃

[@parthagarwal3821]

mohamed ali me too

[@goehz99]

Haha yeah

[@oussamatoujani7775]

Quora is the best

[@ivanlovric5805]

The same. But I am afraid that if I advertise Qoura on here to much , I might attract wrong people on the platform and my experience on there would be diminished by the newcomers.

[@erentunc6039]

we can not underestimate the power of analogy. It provides excellent understanding and creative ideas for complex problems and innovations. For example , he says that if the airplanes are reusable , so why rockets can not be reusable. So, now elon has a company in which he builds reusable rockets. So it is important to use analogy and then go with the first principles. I believe that each approach has its own benefit and the people like elon has to provide broader information for the society.

[@knabseraph]

Analogy helps with innovation using other sectors existing technology. This is like looking at birds to learn how to make planes. Its really really hard to come up with fundamentally new technology because the science has to be built up first, and that will be dependent on all available science and technology at the time. I think if you had the ability to travel back in time, it would be difficult to replicate technology from today's age, just because the supporting tech and manufacturing processes would not be available.

[@karlbjorkquist7489]

Women never understand analogy. It is as though they are dim cats.

[@ardi3595]

I keep listening to this over and over again its so simple that you can literally miss his point.

[@josephzicaro9913]

He's talking about avoiding reasoning by analogy, and gives an example that people do this by saying batteries will continue to be expensive because they've been expensive, BUT THEN counters this by saying if that attitude were towards anything new (not even just new tech), it'd never get developed. This is a contradiction; he's analogizing new battery tech to all new things. I really agree with his idea in this video, just offering a more critical perspective. Also, it's useful to differentiate between analogizing and leveled reasoning. You don't always need to know all the details to draw a conclusion, but knowing all the details will at least make you much more justified in your conclusion and, at most, change your mind. He mentions such details when discussing making a cheap battery (the materials, the place to buy them, and the manufacturing process).

[@wjkrug]

Joseph Zicaro the argument was that because X is expensive it will continue to be expensive. He’s saying if that’s sound logic then you could apply it to anything. And you obviously can’t. It’s not an analogy

[@WilliamReynolds887]

The secret of the future is hidden in your daily routine. Crypto and forex trading is the future.

[@PatriciaGabrielaTorres]

You are right but the market is profiting if you are using a good broker or account manager to help out with trades or provide signals

[@mikaelrutherford1507]

So you guys know her too?... Wow, she made me have my own house and car. She is awesome

[@جوالبني]

Assets that can make you rich Bitcoin Stocks Real estate

[@mrs.LisaMarieMurphy8727]

​@@mikaelrutherford1507I'm one of her clients.... and I'm a living testimony of expert Theresa, She has changed my financial status for the best, all thanks😊 to my friend Jason🇬🇧. Who links me up with her?

[@summerfield01]

Her success story is everywhere 💯

[@vinodallam1415]

Thanks Elon for your thoughts , and thanks to the interviewer as well.

[@2006cr85r]

Elon Musk is so smart. I love hearing him talk. He talks so specifically, and it’s very authentically. It’s inspiring, really

[@binhtang4967]

This is why Einstein said ''Imagination is more important than knowledge''.

[@iche9373]

Especially when he bought Twitter

[@damiangames1204]

First principles is just making sure you are asking the right question. eg. instead of: how can we get around the problems of expensive/heavy batteries that exist now ask: how can we store energy most efficiently to power our electric car Don't assume you are fixed to a certain path. the only thing determining your path are the laws of physics and our understanding of them

[@Alex-vi2wl]

0:55 Guy gives up already and wants to understand by analogy...

[@liamguedez6782]

hahaha! good one!

[@Geeta-up7be]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@lorenzweb]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought for a second "Elon Musk interviewing Elon Musk"

[@m3dasm]

same lol

[@TheBigBentley911]

I like how he uses analogies to tell you not to use analogies. Lol

[@inconnu4961]

You noticed it too? Thats how engrained it is to use analogies. It is our default programming,.

[@HMZ047]

This is the comment i was looking for. And its not only him, people who knew this idea way before him were also using an example to explain it. Perhaps they couldn't help but submit to the irony or maybe i'm not searching deep enough.

[@lanier2141]

Using analogies and reasoning by analogies are typically two different conduits. Since one is used to make examples, the other is what people use to solve complex problems. So technically, Elon didn't use it

[@altergeo5322]

"It's important to reason from first principles, rather than by analogy". Proceeds to reason by analogy.

[@raymondwilson293]

I love watching people interview Elon....there is always a moment when their eyes show that they are lost and have no idea what Elon is talking about.

[@thealchemicschool9576]

Agreed, but I don't think thats the case here. This is Kevin Rose, he's a pretty damn successful internet entrepreneur, he co-founded Revision3, Digg and a ton of other shit, he's estimated to be worth 30 milly. He's a pretty damn intelligent guy.

[@inconnu4961]

@@thealchemicschool9576 So? There is always a bigger dog out there. There is always someone smarter than us. Doesnt mean he is dumb, but there is always someone smarter. Being smart doesnt mean understanding everything immediately. Being smart means asking good questions and continuing to work to understand until that moment we do.

[@ivankaramasov]

His example is basically: it costs a lot to produce x, but the things we need to produce x don't cost that much. Hence if we can make the production less expensive, we can produce x less expensively. Well, yes.

[@glassarthouse]

Seems like he had to use a lot of analogies in order to explain a world built without analogic thinking...

[@SuperMrgentleman]

Sometimes the best way to explain things to other people is not the best way to actually reason about them.

[@Intamin]

Explanations and clarification != analogies, but please, do continue...

[@robindelange9706]

I was thinking the same :-) The analogy between innovation and Ford's quote about faster horses has become a complete cliché. Elon can rightfully use it though

[@SrgtBarney]

he never said analogies was bad, in fact he said it's easier to get through the day with it. He's saying for the sake of innovation, you should use first principles

[@onee]

Douglas Crets Yeah, he doesn't actually mean analogies. He means trends. Just because something is always done in a certain way, it doesn't mean that it should always be done the same way in the future. Basically he says, don't be afraid to question the things where people say, "that is how we always have done it".

[@naitikkathiriya]

The ideas like him, we not just WANT, but NEED!

[@modest_mind2526]

He made something so difficult to imagine and made it a possible reality. Is that all it takes Elon? What a simple solution that is surprising no one thought of....key point: be a genius. That helps a lot.

[@mydogjesus]

People need to start reasoning from first principles in their moral lives as well....

[@poshpasha]

The interviewer made an Analogical reasoning to understand Elon's explanation of the definition of what Analogical Reasoning is... Nerd Lol.

[@inconnu4961]

LOL it is second nature for us! We all do it all the time, because it is the understood way of doing things, takes little thought or effort to do.

[@madhavpatil1206]

I was looking for the derivative principal but this came up and I ain't complaining

[@gabzz72]

Madhav Patil maybe its hard to dumb it down for us normies

[@damarh]

the interviewer is the personification of analogy. he is wearing the same type of clothes as Elon.. because that is what Elon wears :D

[@rpishyao629]

I think the first principle is simple: Don't be affected by others' judgment. Try to find out the results by your own rational inference from the original data.

[@Kevinzoonvanalfons]

Given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes understanding the problem and one minute resolving it. -Albert Einstein

[@itsmearelle]

1:00 Isn't this explaining the first principle with analogy itself?

[@kocojack]

I think he actually done a horrible job at expressing what he was thinking when he was asked to give an example. There were so many things going on inside his head at the moment when he tries to use the example of battery as an explanation of the theory of value.

[@expression3639]

Basically... By analogy = People use analogies to "prove" that something isn't going to change. By Principle = Refuse to take things for granted or accept that things will never change and instead question things.

[@tshidio]

+Expression thanks for the clarification

[@mandarsingh3888]

He just pretend that he is nerd guy.. Real truth is that he is expert in eating credit of all the hard work done by his fellow engineers and scientist working in his company . Only one thing about him inspire me ,his mind blowing courage to invest in such risky project

[@onyxrafle8066]

Have you not seen his past works?

[@burdenonsociety1968]

@@mandarsingh3888 I've always seen him as that, a business man not the brains behind everything.

[@willpeony5534]

That's why I was good at technical drawing, I learned from first principles. I had a good teacher who taught from first principles.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@yoyo-jc5qg]

He made battery packs exactly like he made rocket ships broke it down to the raw materials then did the problem solving himself or by recruiting specialists, genius

[@BeatleHead88]

A tesla battery costs upwards of 20,000 ....

[@HenkGootjes66]

​@@BeatleHead88 they were above 80k before Tesla started. Not a big Musk fan but he is great at this shit

[@deborahp-q3w]

i told my 9 year old grand this and i quote her here , It is basically starting over...

[@mackiechang]

someone needs to apply first principles to politics

[@JohnBdog]

Great explanation of the value of accurate analogies: Those that pass the physics test, when ,,,,,,"boiled down to the most fundamental truths."

[@codademarco2760]

Elon's battery example does not appear to be 'First Principles' -- Rather, in his example, FP's would've been to determine whether or not those base constituents were even necessary, and further, whether that type of power (battery power) is maximizing its potential and the use of available space; More akin to his Horse/Buggy analogy. That said, Elon's direction is clear for all who are paying attention, and that's straight 'disruption'. Go on Elon my Brotha! 

[@adamyounis2983]

I think it depends on what question you're trying to answer, since FP in this context is basically synonymous with "doing science", rather than reasoning on precedent.

[@ZakariaBoualaid]

What he is trying to say is instead of letting our minds get biased by ideas that aren't based on fundamental truths, we should boil things down and reason up from there. I guess the overall idea was clear. So I don't see the reason of judging his example when we don't understand as much as he understands.

[@eddieyutub]

First principle applied to challenge the norm. Learn, rise, and compete

[@TheTeslaTess]

Watching this in 2020 when battery pack actually just cost 80 $ per kWh. (2:30)

[@lesliehorton3332]

Outstanding way to achieve creative new ideas!

[@seanbarker9272]

He's dressed exactly like ellon musk and essentially asking him how to be him, made me laugh that

[@mahuamoti9215]

I think they are sitting in a company setting which has a dress code

[@georgekokkos5347]

According to Aristotle, a first principle is "the first basis from which a thing is known" (Met. 1013a14-15).

[@Greebstreebling]

If Elon Musk knew or cared anything about 'first principles', he'd be influencing for the good of our environment, climate and the wellbeing of his workforce.

[@quincyalfonz]

Simple explanation of First Principles: " Advance the function, ignore the form."

[@Nmudry1]

First principle: you guys are wearing the same thing.

[@manas142]

@Max Power wait until the table turns and normal people are jokers for wearing red green blue.

[@itsblaze90210]

Glad to see that no matter what he says, he always can back it up! 👍

[@DanRibar]

Love it.

[@jonatanwestholm]

Crucially, note that flipping the switch on "things will keep being the way they are" and saying "everything will change because progress", is also not reasoning from first principles. Independent, first principles thinking is a really nontrivial activity, you can't automate it with an attitude.

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

I feel like it'd be nice to have an intellectual discussion with Elon, but he's working his ass off so I don't think he'll find the time :D Make those PV roof tiles, Elon! The world needs them!

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

@@edithbannerman4 I'm doing well. How are you?

[@edithbannerman4]

@@JohnSmith-td7hd Great, how’s your day going and what’re you up to?

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

@@edithbannerman4 May day has gone well. Probably going to go to sleep soon. I was just watching bodycam videos. How about you?

[@edithbannerman4]

@@JohnSmith-td7hd Same, where you located and hope you can make time for us to know each other better if possible?

[@jonfeetham2069]

When working to standardize a factory, analysis by analogy can be very valuable. An example, a measurement device like a meter that has a repeatability and accuracy pedigree is a better fit in an automated system than a measurement circuit that is designed from the ground up.

[@inconnu4961]

Yes, this is a great point. We shouldnt need to invent each & every solution if there is already a viable way being employed at something else. But sometimes we shy away at the idea of inventing, especially if one has a manager mindset, so assume if a solution does not presently exist, there is no possible solution.

[@jeeshin4048]

What do you mean by manager mind set?

[@davidwilkie9551]

First principles.., Engineering for technophile's, and how doom and gloom could be seen as opportunity by those who have seen similar things done, "we choose to give it a go because it's hard, not easy", mindset. OK.. Analogy is the dynamic default state in proportions of analog computation, continuity, but also uncertainty.

[@bnb7094]

It is better to have no memory of what things are and only remember how to figure out how it exists as it does then give it a name based on how it works. The ability to see everything for the first time every time you see it and figure out what it is, is better than a perfect memory of what others say it is. Truth is defined by whether or not you can manipulate and create it yourself. If you cannot then it is not true but a theory of what it could be true. This is how we know we do not understand gravity, because if we did we could manipulate and create it ourselves.

[@Siva-en9sw]

For the people who were complaining that he should improve his explanation, just keep one thing in mind. Upgrade your reception and computation capability. He is not an average Joe. He is watering down his entire victory magic. First try to innovate something and then you are open to bitch him.

[@JohnSmith-ov5uj]

This is like a more general concept of metaphysics

[@SierraArms]

Just like doctor's writings. You know it's important but so hard to read and follow.

[@inconnu4961]

nice analogy!

[@jessehepburn]

Found this video thru the Lex Fridman Podcast. I'll be sure to check out more videos on the channel!

[@LdoggYang]

I m in the Black T blue jeans gang

[@insighttoinciteworksllc1005]

First-principles is a pattern of thinking. All knowledge has patterns and the First- principle is one pattern. Another pattern is from known to unknown the reason for analogies. The Tree of Knowledge is a system of patterns. I call it the puzzle. I have taught this through an inquiry system and to instruct the system is a disservice to mankind. Instructing about trees does not mean they get to see the forest. Especially when you test it with a multiple-choice test and before the test you show them the question with the answers by calling it a review. I am a retired teacher of 37 years. I can detect weakness in somebody's learning system.