Paul Graham's Vision Prompt

Paul Graham has a unique method of expanding founder ambition and vision through specific conversational techniques. Here's how it works.

Core Mechanism

• Uses the phrase "You know what you should do..." consistently as an entry point
• Recontextualizes small ideas into much larger visions
• Invites founders to join in an optimistic interpretation of their business potential
• Focuses on "what if it goes right" scenarios rather than obstacles

Key Elements of the Approach

• Presents bigger possibilities for existing projects

  • Takes current small-scale projects and shows how they could address larger markets
  • Helps founders see beyond immediate tactical concerns
  • Shows how trivial-seeming things can become significant businesses

• Creates "Delusional" Optimism (Intentionally)

  • Interprets what founders are doing in the biggest, best possible light
  • Invites founders to share in this optimistic vision
  • Makes founders feel capable of tackling bigger challenges

• Real Examples of the Method:

  • For a calendar startup: "Make it programmable to be the central hub of all online information management"
  • For Justin.tv: "Take over all unscripted entertainment by hiring reality TV stars"
  • While ideas themselves may not work, they expand the founder's vision of possibility

Impact on Founders

• Increases ambition and drive
• Makes founders feel their work is important
• Creates belief that they can find big solutions
• Installs an internal voice that continues generating bigger ideas
• Teaches founders to look for larger opportunities within small starting points

Why It Works

• Not about the specific ideas suggested
• About teaching founders to see bigger possibilities
• Creates a mindset shift rather than tactical direction
• Demonstrates implicit belief in founder's capabilities
• Helps founders internalize the pattern of thinking bigger