In the journey of entrepreneurship, the quality of one’s thinking is the foundation of every decision. To sharpen this thinking, entrepreneurs must learn to distinguish between two guiding forces: the laws of nature and the laws of society. Recognizing the difference is key to making sound decisions—especially in times of uncertainty.
Two Frameworks for Thought: Natural Law vs. Social Law
- The Laws of Nature
Natural laws are based on objective reality and human nature. They reflect the essence of how the world operates, regardless of culture or circumstance. These laws are aligned with what many refer to as “the Tao”—universal truths like the desire for freedom, the pursuit of happiness, and the instinct to survive and thrive.
These principles are simple, yet profound. They require deep observation and reflection to uncover and are often obscured in daily life by social norms and expectations. Importantly, natural laws are consistent and not subject to change by human opinion.
- The Laws of Society
Social laws, on the other hand, are shaped by culture, tradition, religion, family expectations, and institutional norms. They differ from group to group and are often inconsistent or even contradictory across regions and communities.
While social laws are useful for social cohesion, they are not universal truths. What is praised in one context may be condemned in another. Many people unconsciously conform to these laws because they seek acceptance or fear rejection.
Why Entrepreneurs Must Think Differently
Entrepreneurship requires making decisions in uncertain environments, often without consensus or approval. That’s why entrepreneurs must learn to think from first principles—starting from foundational truths rather than borrowed beliefs.
Consider how most people define success: being a “good student,” a “model employee,” or earning a prestigious degree. These accolades are measured by criteria set by others—parents, teachers, or employers. But what happens when an individual’s vision or thinking surpasses that of the evaluator?
Entrepreneurs must often challenge these social norms. Famous examples include Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, both of whom dropped out of college to pursue their own paths. At the time, their decisions likely drew criticism. Yet they were guided by a deep understanding of their purpose and the opportunities ahead—not by the expectations of society.
The Problem with Misaligned Social Laws
Some societal rules not only conflict with natural laws—they can actively suppress human potential. For example, rigid or militarized education systems often turn learning into punishment, ignoring the natural human desire to explore, discover, and grow.
This kind of system discourages creativity and risk-taking—the very traits entrepreneurs need to succeed. Similarly, much of the business training and management advice available today is based more on conformist thinking than on genuine human understanding. When information doesn’t align with first principles, it’s not just ineffective—it can be harmful.
Natural Law: Two Key Components
- Objective Natural Laws
These are the unchanging rules of the physical and logical world—like cause and effect, supply and demand, or time and effort. They are straightforward and often easy to understand. - Human Nature
This reflects the internal drivers of human behavior. At its core, every person is motivated by the pursuit of survival, freedom, and happiness. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps us understand that the definition of “happiness” may differ for each person. Yet this pursuit is always present—whether through charity, conflict, entrepreneurship, or even manipulation.
When analyzing behavior, including hiring, cooperation, conflict, or business strategy, filtering through the lens of human nature provides clarity. It cuts through appearances and reveals the true motivations behind decisions.
Decision-Making Rooted in First Principles
Entrepreneurs who rely only on social validation often fall into decision traps. For example, a company focused solely on profit may disregard team morale or customer satisfaction. This may yield short-term gain, but it leaves the business vulnerable in the long run—especially when competitors offer a more human-centric approach.
A real-world example is the intense competition between JD.com and Meituan. Success wasn’t determined by financial capital alone but by how well each company met the needs of its customers and teams.
The Entrepreneur’s Superpower: Seeing Through the Fog
To succeed, entrepreneurs must develop the ability to look past social conventions and understand the deeper forces at play. First-principles thinking trains the mind to ignore superficial opinions and instead ask:
- What is true about this situation at a fundamental level?
- What do people actually need or want?
- What outcome supports freedom, growth, and sustainability?
This shift in thinking moves the entrepreneur from reactive follower to intentional creator.
Embracing Uncertainty with Clarity
The world is messy. Language cannot capture all of life’s nuance, and no framework eliminates risk. But this is what makes entrepreneurship exhilarating: it’s about making bold decisions in the face of uncertainty, guided not by trends or approval, but by truth.
If we can train ourselves to think in first principles—rooted in natural law and human nature—we gain clarity. And with clarity comes better decisions, stronger leadership, and a greater chance at meaningful success.
Final Thoughts
No one can see everything clearly. As entrepreneurs, we must remain humble about our blind spots while actively seeking to sharpen our understanding. Let’s engage in thoughtful discussion, challenge faulty assumptions, and seek truth together.
The path of the entrepreneur isn’t to follow the crowd—it’s to understand what truly matters, and to build from there.
