Contemplating the floating of things
"We must obey the forces we wish to command" (F.Bacon)
In 1620, Francis Bacon publishes his philosophical work Novum Organum Scientiarum ('new instrument of science' ).
He details a new system of logic he believes to be superior to the old ways — against the Aristotelian approach to science through logic and deductive reasoning alone.
He argues a different approach is needed given the weakness of the human mind and it's natural biases (he lists the Idols of the Mind in his work; today we'd call them cognitive biases ).
According to Bacon, inductive reasoning will allow humanity to uncover the essence of things. His method relies on systematic observation of cases, engagement of the senses, and artificial experimentation to provide additional observance of a phenomenon and it's causes.
About induction
"The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things, but by contemplating the floating of things which floated naturally, and then intelligently asking why they did so." (Thomas Troward)
Until mid 19th century, most boats were made of natural material, essentially wood — as men observed wood float in nature. Bacon's emphasis on inductive reasoning, rather than pure deduction, allowed for the evolution of fields like naval architecture, where practical experimentation and observation led to new innovations.
The naval engineering techniques have evolved with the understanding and mastery of the laws of gravity, buoyancy, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, density, etc…
With new materials provided by industrial revolutions (iron, steel, lately kevlar) and contemporary computer-aided design, it has been made possible to design more performant naval structures. Interestingly, until recently, naval architecture has been more of a craft than a science: the "fair shape" of vessels was judged by looking at half models or prototypes ie. through past knowledge and experimentation rather than by logic and deduction alone.
Therefore, today it's totally understandable to see the proliferation of Uber for X, Airbnb for X business ideas (see article here) ). It's in human nature.
Bacon's method reveals a profound truth: true innovation emerges not from blind imitation, but from deep understanding of underlying principles. Just as early naval architects didn't simply copy existing boats, but studied the fundamental laws of buoyancy, modern entrepreneurs must do more than superficially replicate successful business models.
The "Uber for X" or "Airbnb for Y" approaches represent a shallow understanding of innovation—akin to observing a floating object without comprehending why it floats. Real transformation requires penetrating the core mechanics of value creation, just as Bacon argued that scientific progress demands systematic observation and intelligent inquiry.
Bacon's fundamental insight transcends scientific methodology—it becomes a universal principle of human endeavor. Just as a scientist cannot ignore natural laws, entrepreneurs cannot escape market dynamics. They are not external constraints, but fundamental forces to be understood and choreographed.
Obey the forces you wish to command
Startup leadership exists in a complex ecosystem governed by intricate forces: customer behavior, technological shifts, competitive landscapes, capital flows. These are not obstacles to be battled, but fundamental dynamics to be decoded. Success emerges not from resistance, but from profound comprehension—mapping the invisible currents that determine business trajectory.
"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow." (Robert. H.Goddard)
The dream of space travel began as a theoretical whisper in 1861 with William Leitch's astronomical speculations. But dreams require engineering to become reality. Robert H. Goddard transformed these abstract visions into concrete possibility, developing two revolutionary inventions in 1914: the multi-stage rocket and a breakthrough rocket fuel design.
Like the fundamental laws of physics that govern celestial mechanics, Goddard understood that escaping Earth's gravitational pull required more than wishful thinking. His innovations decoded the precise principles of propulsion, creating engines powerful enough to pierce the vacuum of space. Astrodynamics—the intricate science of orbital mechanics—emerged from a deep understanding of Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation.
This mirrors the entrepreneurial journey: scaling a startup is not about blind ambition, but about meticulously understanding the underlying dynamics of the laws of growth. Just as Goddard designed a multi-stage rocket to overcome gravitational constraints, successful entrepreneurs must engineer a strategic progression that systematically propels their venture beyond initial limitations.
Build Your Rocket First
The six stages of a successful startup rocket are: 1) Ideation and Validation, 2) MVP Development, 3) Early Traction, 4) Scaling, 5) Optimization, and 6) Maturity. Each stage requires mastering the underlying forces at play, whether it's market dynamics, operational efficiency, or financial sustainability.
Just as Goddard's innovations enabled space travel, startups must engineer their own multi-stage rockets to break free of gravity and achieve liftoff in the competitive business landscape.
Understanding and harnessing these forces is crucial for sustainable growth.
Each phase demands careful attention to detail and adaptability—validating hypotheses early prevents costly mistakes, while scaling requires robust infrastructure and team dynamics. Optimization focuses on refining processes for efficiency, and maturity involves sustaining competitive advantage amidst evolving markets. Like mastering astrodynamics, founders must continuously learn and adjust, relying on data-driven insights and strategic foresight. Ultimately, success hinges on respecting intrinsic forces, embracing experimentation, and persistently innovating to navigate the complex startup ecosystem.
originally posted on Medium (2015)
