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?