What is the opposite theory from Seinfeld?  It is worth diving deeper into what this episode was all about. Seinfeld was always packed with teachings about life. 

One of the best TV characters of all time is George Constanza, and one of his greatest episodes is “The Opposite.” In “The Opposite,” George a stocky, slow-witted, balding, unemployed 30-something man who lives with his parents, laments:

“Why did it all turn out like this for me? I had so much promise. I was personable, I was bright. Oh, maybe not academically speaking, but … I was perceptive. I always know when someone’s uncomfortable at a party. It became very clear to me sitting out there today, that every decision I’ve ever made, in my entire life, has been wrong. My life is the opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every of life, be it something to wear, something to eat … It’s all been wrong.”

Jerry Seinfeld convinces George that the answer to his problems is to do the complete opposite of everything he would do from that moment on. After all, if every instinct you've ever had has been wrong, then the opposite must be right, right?

The term for this is "inversion theory". 

"Inversion theory" encompasses various ideas, including a mental model for problem-solving that involves considering the opposite of a problem or solution, and a concept in music where chords or intervals are rearranged with the lowest note becoming the highest, and vice versa. 
 
World famous investor Charlie Munger often discussed his views on inversion theory. 

Rather than focusing on having a brilliant day, why not consider what a crap day would look like and avoid that? It will likely be easier and will achieve similar results. Or, as Charles Munger pointed out: "It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent."

Inversion involves looking at a problem or decision from the opposite point of view so, for example, rather than focusing on achieving success, Inversion encourages you to consider how to avoid failure. 

Here is a short video on inversion theory given by Charlie Munger himself. 

The Emily Dahl Foundation 
April 2, 2025