Being contrarian is not just about having a different idea; it's about being right in your contrarian stance and understanding why smart people might disagree with you.

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.

In the real world, the opposite of a good idea can also be another good idea, and sometimes the best solution involves contradictory approaches.

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.

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

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.

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.

Be cautious of conventional thinking within your subculture. Just because a group shares similar opinions doesn't mean those ideas are innovative or correct. Challenge the prevailing mindset to foster true innovation.