- What is superlinearity? - It's essential to distinguish between outputs and outcomes - Outputs are the tangible, quantifiable deliverables created - Outcomes are the measurable change, value, or effect that is achieved - [[Intentional Living Requires Deciding on Actions, Outputs, Outcomes, Objectives, Missions, and Visions]] - Superlinearity means that something is growing faster and faster as it gets bigger - Like how a tiny snowball you start rolling gets much, much bigger with every push - In knowledge work, the outcome increases at a much faster rate than the incremental increase in output - Why is knowledge work superlinear? - Knowledge work is a non-rivalrous resource: sharing knowledge does not deplete it; it multiplies its potential value - This leads to network effects where value compounds beyond the original creation - The compounding nature of learning leads to exponential growth - The more you know, the easier and faster it is to learn new things - New information attaches to old knowledge, creating the exponential growth of a personal knowledge base - This makes subsequent work more effective - One cannot learn without being open to change, and openness to change makes you learn valuable lessons, even if the immediate objective is not met - How does superlinearity manifest? - Progress involves crossing critical thresholds, and the resulting win can be disproportionate - The market often rewards the best or the first disproportionately - Technology allows output to spread widely - This high degree of leverage means the impact (outcome) is not linearly tied to the time or effort (output) of the creator