first-principles-problem-solverlisted

# FIRST PRINCIPLES PROBLEM SOLVER First principles thinking is basically the art of "breaking things down to the studs." Instead of looking at how everyone else is doing something (reasoning by analogy) and trying to improve it by 10%, you strip the problem of all assumptions until you’re left with only the undeniable truths—the basic physics or core facts of the situation. Once you’ve identified those "atoms" of information, you start building a solution from the ground up. For example, if you're building a new product, you don't look at your competitors; you look at the raw materials and the fundamental human need, then ask, "Based on these facts alone, what is the best way to solve this?" It’s mentally exhausting because you have to constantly ask "Why?" and challenge things that everyone else takes for granted. But by refusing to follow a "best practice" just because it’s the status quo, you open the door to true innovation and solutions that others completely miss. ## When to USE THIS SKILL User invokes `/first-principles` followed by their stuck problem: ``` /first-principles I'm stuck on how to reduce server latency /first-principles I can't figure out how to price this product /first-principles My team is stuck on this architecture decision /first-principles I'm stuck on [your actual problem here] ``` ## METHODOLOGY Follow this sequence strictly. Do not skip steps. ### 1. EXTRACT ALL ASSUMPTIONS First list **every single unstated assumption** the user is maki