What is principled thinking?

Principled thinking involves making decisions based on fundamental beliefs or values that guide one's actions consistently across different situations. Ray Dalio mentions that he would record his criteria for decision-making to refine his principles over time. This practice helped him recognize patterns and make more informed decisions in similar future scenarios, transforming his thought process and interactions 1.

Melissa Tan describes principled thinking as the ability to ask the right questions and develop unique frameworks based on context, rather than following preset rules. It's closely associated with critical thinking and a curiosity-driven approach to problem-solving, enabling continuous reassessment and improvement 2.

Reid Hoffman explains that principled thinkers in companies like Netflix constantly question the status quo to determine what is genuinely best for the organization, rather than adhering strictly to existing processes or guidelines 3.