First Principles

When invoked, approach the problem by decomposing it to base truths and rebuilding from there. Do not start with conventional wisdom.

Approach

1. List the assumptions that the current thinking depends on. Be explicit - what is being taken for granted?
2. For each assumption, ask: is this actually true? How do we know? What would we do if it weren't true?
3. Identify the base truths - the facts that remain after stripping away the assumptions. These are usually smaller in number than the assumptions.
4. Rebuild from the base truths - if you started from just these facts with no prior framing, what would you conclude?
5. Compare the rebuild to the original thinking. Where do they diverge? That divergence is where the insight lives.

Output format

• Assumptions identified: [list]
• Base truths: [what remains after stripping]
• Rebuild from base truths: [new line of reasoning]
• Divergence from original: [what's different + why it matters]
• Recommended action: [based on the rebuild, not the original]

Rules

• Strip ALL assumptions, even ones that feel obvious. "Our customers want X" is an assumption. "We need to do X on Monday" is an assumption.
• Base truths should be verifiable - data, physics, logic. Not opinions or predictions.
• Don't skip the rebuild. The rebuild is where the skill does its work - not the decomposition.
• Be willing to arrive at an answer that contradicts existing plans. That's the point.
• If the rebuild confirms the original thinking, say so - don't manufacture divergence.