Being contrarian is not just about having a different idea; it's about understanding how smart people might disagree with you and knowing something they don't that validates your idea.

People often mistake being wrong for being disingenuous; it's acceptable to be wrong as long as there's a genuine reason behind your beliefs.

It's important to think outside the box and have your own belief systems; consensus among peers can lead to undifferentiated and marginal ideas.

Counterintuitive ideas contradict your intuitions, which is why founders often ignore them; they seem wrong at first.

The current information landscape is filled with contrarian views, where anything outside established institutions is often given undue primacy.

The ability to adapt and embrace being wrong is crucial; conviction must be balanced with a willingness to change based on new data.

When starting a company, it's essential to have a strong belief in your non-consensus ideas, as they often lead to significant market advantages.

The founders of these successful startups had to be contrarian, often facing skepticism from experts and investors who thought their ideas were foolish.

Innovators also need to be high in disagreeableness, which allows them to withstand criticism and pursue their ideas despite opposition, as overly agreeable individuals may be easily dissuaded.