What are Pattern Breakers?

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the concept of "pattern breakers" - individuals and startups that challenge the status quo and conventional wisdom to create innovative and groundbreaking ideas. It explores how pattern breakers, like the Wright brothers and Robert Goddard, were able to achieve remarkable breakthroughs despite facing skepticism and criticism from experts. The article also highlights the actions and mindset required for founders to successfully break patterns and create transformative change.

🙋 Q&A

[01] David Foster Wallace's Commencement Speech

1. What is the key idea that David Foster Wallace's commencement speech at Kenyon College in 2005 builds upon? The speech builds on the idea that we constantly overlook basic realities because our minds stay in an "automatic default setting". Much of what really happens escapes our notice, and we're unaware of just how much slips by.

2. Why is this idea important, according to the article? This idea is important because it explains why so few people create breakthroughs. Our brains are wired to find patterns and stick to them, which saves time and cognitive load, but also prevents us from challenging the status quo.

3. How does the article connect this idea to great startup founders? Great startup founders are described as "pattern breakers" who develop ideas that differ significantly from usual practices. They challenge established norms and offer fresh perspectives that initially seem far-fetched or foolish to most people.

[02] Characteristics of Pattern Breakers

1. What are some key characteristics of pattern-breaking founders, according to the article?

• They embrace assumptions that diverge from the norm, allowing them to escape competition
• They are willing to take differentiated actions to make others believe in their radical ideas, even if it means facing harsh criticism and pushback
• They prioritize their long-term mission over short-term status or approval
• They have the courage to think, feel, and act differently, even when it's uncomfortable

2. How does the article contrast pattern breakers with "experts" and conventional thinkers? The article suggests that experts and conventional thinkers are especially prone to missing the possibility of change, as they are tied to old rules and established science. In contrast, pattern breakers like the Wright brothers and Robert Goddard were able to achieve breakthroughs by embracing independent thought and questioning the status quo, despite lacking formal credentials.

3. What examples does the article provide of pattern-breaking actions by startups? The article cites examples such as Emmett Shear and Justin Kan selling their earlier startup Kiko on eBay, Airbnb financing its early days by selling cereal boxes with Obama and McCain on them, and ridesharing companies constantly battling legal issues wherever they went.

[03] Challenges Faced by Pattern Breakers

1. What are some of the key challenges faced by pattern-breaking founders, according to the article?

• Their radical ideas clash with existing beliefs, and people often push back when their perspectives are challenged
• They must find early believers who see the world as they do, as their ideas can initially sound absurd to most
• They face constant pressure to fit in and conform to societal norms, which can limit their ability to think and act unconventionally
• They must choose to prioritize their long-term mission over short-term status or approval, even if it means facing attacks on their status or sense of belonging

2. How does the article suggest pattern breakers can overcome these challenges? The article suggests that pattern-breaking founders must have the courage and determination to think, feel, and act differently, even when it's uncomfortable. They need to be willing to be "disagreeable" and prioritize their long-term mission over short-term status or approval.

3. What does the article say about the importance of being "unreasonable" rather than "reasonable" in driving true progress? The article cites a quote from George Bernard Shaw, which suggests that it is the "unreasonable" people, rather than the "reasonable" ones, who are able to change the world and reshape reality.