The problem I seem to have when trying to find a business opportunity is that I’m unaware of the true problems that need solving. Sure there’s things like sustainable energy solutions, or improvements to urban planning, but these either already have billions pumped into research, or have a super high barrier to entry - be it financial or academical.
I’m well acquainted with first principles thinking, but it doesn’t serve much use when you have no problems to apply it to. I can create scenarios that’s I think are problems, but in hindsight they are just a means to an end - a problem for the sake of a problem, with no true benefit.
What piece of the puzzle am I missing?
Because he has amazing cognitive ability. He spent a lot of time reading broadly, and he is an expert in multiple things. If you are at the edge of your field you will too see manny patterns.