founders paras chopra, chapter by chapter
61. Think Before You Google—or Ask ChatGPT
Form an independent model before letting polished outside answers anchor it.
Search and AI make second-hand answers effortless, but every answer reflects an author’s context and favored perspective. A clear, persuasive response can replace original thinking before you notice its assumptions do not fit your situation. Convenience gradually weakens the habit of reasoning from first principles.
Before searching, write your own analysis, assumptions, and pros-and-cons on paper. Then use outside material to challenge, expand, and test that model—not to create the first one. Prior thinking gives you better questions and a framework for deciding which advice applies.
Original sketch and model by Paras Chopra. Read the source chapter.