PowerCombo

All Five Tools in Sequence

PowerCombo runs all five ThinkTools in the optimal sequence for comprehensive analysis.

The 5-Step Process

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      POWERCOMBO                              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                              │
│   1. GigaThink      → Explore all angles                    │
│                        Cast a wide net first                 │
│                                                              │
│   2. LaserLogic     → Check the reasoning                   │
│                        Find logical flaws                    │
│                                                              │
│   3. BedRock        → Find first principles                 │
│                        Cut to what matters                   │
│                                                              │
│   4. ProofGuard     → Verify the facts                      │
│                        Triangulate claims                    │
│                                                              │
│   5. BrutalHonesty  → Face uncomfortable truths             │
│                        Attack your own conclusions           │
│                                                              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Why This Order?

The sequence is deliberate:

1. Divergent → Convergent

   • First explore widely (GigaThink)
   • Then narrow ruthlessly (LaserLogic, BedRock)

2. Abstract → Concrete

   • Start with ideas (GigaThink)
   • Move to principles (BedRock)
   • End with evidence (ProofGuard)

3. Constructive → Destructive

   • Build up possibilities first
   • Then attack your own work (BrutalHonesty)

Usage

CLI

# Run full analysis
rk-core think "Should I take this job offer?" --profile balanced

# Equivalent to:
rk-core powercombo "Should I take this job offer?" --profile balanced

With Profiles

Rust API

#![allow(unused)]
fn main() {
use reasonkit::thinktools::PowerCombo;
use reasonkit::profiles::Profile;

let combo = PowerCombo::new()
    .profile(Profile::Balanced);

let result = combo.analyze("Should I take this job offer?").await?;

// Access each tool's output
println!("GigaThink found {} perspectives", result.gigathink.perspectives.len());
println!("LaserLogic found {} flaws", result.laserlogic.flaws.len());
println!("BedRock principles: {:?}", result.bedrock.first_principles);
println!("ProofGuard verdict: {:?}", result.proofguard.verdict);
println!("BrutalHonesty truths: {:?}", result.brutalhonesty.uncomfortable_truths);
}

Example Output

Question: “Should I buy a house?”

╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  POWERCOMBO ANALYSIS                                         ║
║  Question: Should I buy a house?                             ║
║  Profile: balanced                                           ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  GIGATHINK: Exploring Perspectives                           │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  1. FINANCIAL: Down payment, mortgage rates, total cost     │
│  2. LIFESTYLE: Stability vs. flexibility trade-off          │
│  3. CAREER: Does your job require mobility?                 │
│  4. MARKET: Is this a good time/location to buy?            │
│  5. OPPORTUNITY: What else could you do with that money?    │
│  6. MAINTENANCE: Are you prepared for ongoing costs?        │
│  7. TIMELINE: How long will you stay?                       │
│  8. EMOTIONAL: Ownership satisfaction vs. renting freedom   │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  LASERLOGIC: Checking Reasoning                              │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  FLAW: "Renting is throwing money away"                     │
│  → Mortgage interest is also "thrown away"                  │
│  → Early payments are 60-80% interest                       │
│                                                              │
│  FLAW: "Houses always appreciate"                           │
│  → Real estate is local and cyclical                        │
│  → 2007-2012 counterexample                                 │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  BEDROCK: First Principles                                   │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  CORE QUESTION: Will you be in the same place for 5-7 years?│
│                                                              │
│  THE 80/20:                                                  │
│  • Breakeven on transaction costs: 5-7 years                │
│  • If yes to stability → buying can make sense              │
│  • If no/uncertain → renting is financially rational        │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  PROOFGUARD: Fact Check                                      │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  VERIFIED: Transaction costs are 6-10% (realtor, closing)   │
│  VERIFIED: Average homeowner stays 13 years (NAR, 2024)     │
│  VERIFIED: Maintenance averages 1-2% of home value/year     │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  BRUTALHONESTY: Uncomfortable Truths                         │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  • You're asking because you want validation, not analysis  │
│  • "Investment" framing obscures lifestyle preferences      │
│  • Most people decide emotionally, then justify rationally  │
│                                                              │
│  HONEST QUESTION:                                            │
│  If rent and buy were exactly equal financially,            │
│  which would you choose? That's your real preference.       │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

SYNTHESIS:
The buy-vs-rent decision depends primarily on timeline.
If staying 5-7+ years in one location: buying can make sense.
If uncertain or likely to move: renting is financially rational.
Most "rent is throwing money away" arguments are oversimplified.

Configuration

[thinktools.powercombo]
# Tools to include (default: all)
tools = ["gigathink", "laserlogic", "bedrock", "proofguard", "brutalhonesty"]

# Order (default: standard)
order = "standard"  # or "custom"

# Include synthesis at end
include_synthesis = true

Output Formats

# Pretty terminal output (default)
rk-core think "question" --format pretty

# JSON for programmatic use
rk-core think "question" --format json

# Markdown for documentation
rk-core think "question" --format markdown

Best Practices

1. Use profiles appropriately — Quick for small decisions, paranoid for major ones

2. Read all sections — Each tool catches different things

3. Focus on BrutalHonesty — It’s often the most valuable

4. Use the synthesis — The combined insight is greater than parts

Related

• Profiles Overview — Choose your depth
• Individual tools: GigaThink, LaserLogic, BedRock, ProofGuard, BrutalHonesty