How do first principles assist in self-cognition to discover the 'true self'?

Hello, this is an interesting question. I'll try to share my thoughts in plain language; they might not be entirely correct, but let's consider it a discussion.

You can think of it this way: when we first start to understand ourselves, it's as if we've been handed a "life manual" written by others. This manual is compiled by your parents, teachers, friends, societal opinions, and so on. It's filled with all sorts of "you shoulds": you should go to a good university, you should find a stable job, you should get married and have children by a certain age, you should be lively and outgoing or calm and reserved...

Most of the time, we live by "referencing" this manual, or by referencing the "manuals" of our friends, observing what they do and following suit. This is what's called "analogy thinking": because others do it this way, so do I.

First principles thinking, on the other hand, is like asking you to set that "life manual" aside and then subject yourself to a thorough "soul-searching inquiry." It demands that you no longer accept those "you shoulds" as self-evident truths, but instead dismantle them one by one and ask the most fundamental questions.

Here are a few examples:

1. Regarding work:

   • Traditional view (analogy thinking): I need to find a "good" job, like becoming a civil servant or joining a big company, because everyone says it's stable and prestigious.
   • First principles approach: Hold on, let's ignore the term "good job" for a moment. What is the essence of "work" for me? Why do I work?
     • The most basic need might be: to earn money, for survival.
     • One level up: How much money do I need to feel secure and comfortable?
     • Further up: Besides money, what else do I want from work? Is it a sense of accomplishment? The joy of creation? Helping others? Or personal growth? Or simply to pass the time?
   • When you break down the complex concept of a "good job" into these most basic and simple elements—"covering basic expenses + a certain amount of free time + doing what I'm good at and enjoy"—you might discover that freelancing, running your own small business, or even a lower-paying but highly creative job, is the real "good job" for you. At this point, you've found a career path that aligns with your fundamental needs, not just what others perceive as a good job.

2. Regarding personality:

   • Traditional view (analogy thinking): I'm introverted and don't talk much, which is bad. I need to change and become outgoing and lively to be popular.
   • First principles approach: What is the essence of "introversion"? It simply means I "gain energy from solitude," while "extroversion" means gaining energy from social interaction. It's not a flaw, just a natural way of recharging.
   • So, what's my real problem? Is it an inability to communicate with people? No, I can talk with close friends for a long time. Is it a fear of public speaking? Yes. Then what I need to address isn't the label "introverted," but the specific issue of "fear of public expression."
   • You see, by breaking it down this way, you no longer invalidate yourself because of the label "introverted," but instead find a specific, smaller problem you can overcome. You accept your way of recharging (solitude), which is accepting a part of your "true self."

To summarize:

First principles thinking helps you discover your "true self." In essence, it provides a tool for "debunking myths" and "self-clarification."

It allows you to shatter all the labels, concepts, and standards (like success, happiness, a good partner) imposed on you by the outside world, as well as those you've grown accustomed to, reducing them to their most basic, indivisible personal needs and values.

When you reassemble these fragmented needs and values, which are absolutely true to your inner self, the resulting picture is the closest representation of your "true self."

This process is like freeing yourself from a pile of "standard templates," giving you the opportunity to "tailor-make" a unique life for yourself. You're no longer living someone else's script; you're starting to write your own story.