1, #105 - The Contrarian Question

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“What important truth do very few people agree with you on?”

This is one of my all-time favorite questions. It was popularized by startup investor Peter Thiel, who explains its deceptive simplicity:

“This question sounds easy because it’s straightforward. Actually, it’s very hard to answer. It’s intellectually difficult because the knowledge that everyone is taught in school is by definition agreed upon. And it’s psychologically difficult because anyone trying to answer must say something she knows to be unpopular. Brilliant thinking is rare, but courage is in even shorter supply than genius.”

Whether you’re using it in a professional setting or just want to skip the small talk, it’s a great question to get to know someone quickly.

What would be your answer?

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Insight inspired by Peter Thiel and quoted from his book, Zero to One.