First principles thinking can be easy to describe, but quite difficult to practice.
知易行难
One of the primary obstacles to first principles thinking is our tendency to optimize form rather than function.
首要阻碍：我们倾向于优化形式而非功能
The human tendency for imitation is a common roadblock to first principles thinking.
人类的模仿倾向是第一性原理思维的常见障碍。
When most people envision the future, they project the current form forward rather than projecting the function forward and abandoning the form.
多数人设想未来时，他们会以当前的“形”向前投射，而不是将“功能”向前投射并放弃“形式”。
Be wary of the ideas you inherit. Old conventions and previous forms are often accepted without question and, once accepted, they set a boundary around creativity.
Optimize the function. Ignore the form.
