John Candeto on power laws
Here’s the big idea from my recent conversation with John Candeto, which will be out in Big Think soon: power laws quietly run the universe.
John — writer and the investor behind The Phronesis Fund — is on a quest to study the nature of power laws (and how power laws drive nature). The basic gist is this: a few moments, people, relationships, or decisions end up mattering way more than the rest. It’s not just in wealth or fame: It’s in who you marry, which ideas you pursue, even which room in your house you spend the most time in.
As John researches, he’s seeing how power laws show up everywhere. And so if you want to build something that lasts, you have to learn to see them — and harness them to your advantage.
John’s advice? First, survive — because nothing compounds if you’re wiped out early. Second, dream bigger — because small things, given time and care, can turn into monsters (in a good way). And finally, treat the high-potential stuff in your life like gold. Whether it’s an idea, a person, or a project — if it’s got power law potential, give it your full attention. That’s the game. Outlasting isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about doing the right things long enough.
