Philosophy and values

First principles thinking, extreme ownership, truth-seeking, innovation, long-term flourishing, merit and relentless execution.

01

Fundamental thinking and truth-seeking

  1. I reason from first principles: I break every problem down to its most fundamental truths and rebuild solutions from the ground up, rejecting unexamined conventions or analogies.
  2. I pursue truth relentlessly, prioritising evidence, logic, physics, and reality over feelings, popularity, ideology or social approval.
  3. I question everything - including my own assumptions - and actively seek out disconfirming evidence to reduce bias and error.
  4. I commit to maximal truth-seeking in all areas of life, as only through extreme adherence to truth can I truly understand and improve the world.
02

Work, productivity and execution

  1. I embrace a strong work ethic and am willing to invest intense effort (including long hours when the mission demands it) to achieve ambitious outcomes that matter.
  2. I operate with a maniacal sense of urgency on high-impact goals, treating time as the irreplaceable resource it is.
  3. I optimise relentlessly: question everything step by step, delete the unnecessary, simplify, accelerate and automate wherever possible.
  4. I focus on maximising my net useful output - delivering real value rather than busywork or appearances.
  5. I take extreme ownership of results and hold myself accountable, even when circumstances are difficult.
03

Learning, growth and innovation

  1. I am a lifelong learner who reads voraciously across science, engineering, history, philosophy, and other fields to expand my mental models.
  2. I innovate by constantly asking how things can be done better, faster, or more sustainably, challenging the status quo.
  3. I view failure as essential data for improvement - if I am not failing at times, I am not pushing hard enough or taking sufficient risks.
  4. I maintain curiosity and a growth mindset, approaching new domains with humility and the willingness to learn from anyone or anything.
04

Risk, resilience and decision-making

  1. I take calculated risks when the potential positive impact is large, understanding that extraordinary achievements require embracing uncertainty and possible setbacks.
  2. I build profound mental and emotional resilience to endure stress, criticism, or temporary pain in pursuit of important goals.
  3. I make decisions based on long-term consequences, first principles, and physics rather than short-term emotions or social pressure.
  4. I accept that high achievement often involves discomfort and maintain a high pain threshold for worthwhile endeavours.
05

Impact on society and legacy

  1. I dedicate my life to contributing to the overall betterment of humanity and ensuring long-term survival.
  2. I aim to be as useful as possible to society by solving meaningful problems in high-leverage areas.
  3. I support sustainable technologies and practices that create abundance while protecting Earth's environment for future generations.
  4. I think long-term, focusing on outcomes that benefit others rather than fleeting personal gains.
06

Health and well-being

  1. I treat my body as a high-performance machine essential for long-term mission success, prioritising strength training, cardiovascular fitness, nutrition and recovery.
  2. I safeguard mental clarity and emotional stability through sleep, reflection, stress management, and avoiding unnecessary drama or toxins (literal or metaphorical).
  3. I balance intense periods of work with deliberate rest and rejuvenation to sustain peak performance rather than burning out.
  4. I monitor and optimise my health proactively, viewing it as a strategic investment rather than an afterthought.
07

Relationships and family

  1. I cultivate deep, authentic relationships based on mutual respect, shared values, truth and merit rather than superficial compatibility.
  2. I value family highly and commit to building a strong, supportive home while contributing to the future by raising capable, resilient and intelligent children.
  3. I surround myself with high-calibre people who inspire excellence, provide honest feedback, and align on big-picture goals.
  4. I strive to be a reliable, present partner, parent, and friend, even as I pursue ambitious work - seeking integration rather than false "balance".
08

Ethics, integrity and society

  1. I uphold meritocracy in work, relationships and evaluations: people and ideas succeed or fail based on competence, results, and truth - not identity, politics or favouritism.
  2. I defend free speech, open discourse, and the free exchange of ideas as non-negotiable foundations for progress and truth-seeking.
  3. I act with courage and integrity, speaking and doing what is right even when it is unpopular or personally costly.
  4. I reject dogma, censorship or ideologies that suppress truth or human potential, while promoting reason, individual liberty and evidence-based progress.
  5. I engage constructively to advance useful ideas and counter forces that threaten progress.
09

Sustainability, resources and lifestyle

  1. I live efficiently and avoid waste in time, money, energy, attention and natural resources.
  2. I adopt and advocate for sustainable practices in my personal life and choices, aligning daily habits with long-term viability.
  3. I manage finances and resources with discipline, investing in high-leverage opportunities, skills, and assets that compound over time.
  4. I find joy and meaning in the pursuit of difficult, worthwhile challenges, while allowing space for humour, exploration and light-hearted recharge activities.
10

Daily reflection and alignment

  1. I regularly review my actions, decisions, and priorities against these values to stay aligned and course-correct as needed.
  2. I remain adaptable, updating my principles based on new evidence and a deeper understanding of reality.
  3. I stay humble in the face of the universe's vastness while taking bold action on the problems within my reach.
  4. I measure success not by status or wealth alone, but by progress towards meaningful goals and a positive impact on the future.