Superlinear Returns

Paul Graham argues that the returns for performance are superlinear, not linear as teachers and coaches often imply, and that this is a feature of the world rather than a product of economic rules. He identifies two fundamental sources: exponential growth, as in startups whose high growth rates make them immensely valuable, and thresholds, as in winner-take-all contests where a slightly better performer gets the same single win. He advises seeking work that compounds, including through learning, and says the territory for superlinear returns is expanding as technology progresses and organizations matter less.