Learn how to build scalable success by eliminating unnecessary complexity. A practical simplicity framework inspired by Naval Ravikant and Elon Musk.
The Iterative
Simplicity
Framework
Naval + Musk Philosophy
Core Belief
Complex success is built from simple ideas repeated relentlessly.
Start Ridiculously Simple
Begin with the smallest version that actually works. Not impressive. Not optimized. Just functional.
Ask:
- What is the one job this must do?
- What happens if everything else is removed?
Question Every Requirement
Before improving anything, attack assumptions.
Remove Before You Improve
Never optimize clutter.
- Eliminate unnecessary parts
- Simplify what remains
- Only then optimize speed, cost, or efficiency
Iterate the Simple Loop
Run this loop continuously:
Hold the Whole System in Your Head
Success needs someone who understands:
- Why each part exists
- What happens if it disappears
- How changes ripple through the system
Become an 80/20 Polymath
Depth matters, but breadth enables better decisions.
Strategy:
- Learn fundamentals with the widest reach (physics, systems, logic)
- Aim for 80% understanding, not perfection
- Build things — tinkering beats theory
Scale What Survives Reality
Only after something survives:
- Removal
- Iteration
- Real-world testing
…do you scale it.
In One Line
Build simple → question everything → remove aggressively → iterate endlessly → scale last
“A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. You have to start over with a working simple system” Galls Law
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