paul-graham-wisdomlisted

# Paul Graham Wisdom Apply these principles when exploring ideas, validating opportunities, or making decisions. ## The Idea Evaluation Framework ### Is This a Real Problem? 1. **Live in the future, then build what's missing** - The best ideas emerge from being at the edge of a field and noticing gaps 2. **Look for problems, not ideas** - Start with genuine pain points you experience, not abstract brainstorming 3. **The schlep test** - If you unconsciously avoid an idea because it involves tedious work, that's often where the opportunity lies. Ask: "What problem do I wish someone else would solve?" 4. **Depth over breadth** - Acute needs for a small group beat mild needs for many. Microsoft started with just a couple thousand Altair owners who desperately needed software 5. **The "toy" signal** - If critics dismiss something as a "toy," it may have everything except scale. Microcomputers, search engines, and Facebook were all called toys ### Is This Worth Pursuing? 1. **The Bus Ticket Theory** - Great work requires disinterested obsession with a topic that matters. Pursue what you'd pursue even without external rewards 2. **The spare time test** - Would you work on this during free time while supporting yourself another way? 3. **What doesn't seem like work?** - Your genuine interests reveal what you should pursue 4. **Curiosity as compass** - Pursue what you're excessively curious about. Curiosity is the ultimate guide ### Am I the Right Person? 1. **Three ingredient