Problems, Solutions, Actions – What to Do With Global Problems

“After the ship has sunk, everyone knows how she might have been saved.” (Italian Proverb)

The importance of definition

“It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It’s that they can’t see the problem.” (G.K. Chesterton)

“You won’t find a solution by saying there is no problem.” (William Rotsler)

“The mere formulation of a problem is far more often essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle requires creative imagination and marks real advances in science.” (Albert Einstein)

“The problem with most problem-solving is that the problem itself is seldom clearly defined and understood. Give me an unclear problem and I’ll give you an unclear solution. What else could I do? The answer is to start with the problem as being problem number one.” (Anonymous)

“The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.” (Bertrand Russell)

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” (Charles Kettering)

The importance of understanding

“If we can really understand the problem, the answer will come out of it, because the answer is not separate from the problem.” (Jiddu Krishnamurti)

“To every problem there is already a solution whether you know it or not.” (Grenville Kleiser)

“The only difference between a problem and a solution is that people understand the solution.” (Dorothea Brande)

“No matter how complicated a problem is, it usually can be reduced to a simple, comprehensible form which is often the best solution.” (An Wang)

On solving problems

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.” (Abraham Lincoln)

“The world we have made as a result of the level of thinking we have done thus far creates problems we cannot solve at the same level of thinking at which we created them.” (Albert Einstein)

“The direct use of force is such a poor solution to any problem, it is generally employed only by small children and large nations.” (David Friedman)

“Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.” (Anonymous)

“The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.” (Alan Saporta)

“When we face problems with compassion, sincerity and good motivation, our solutions may take longer, but ultimately they are better.” (Dalai Lama)

“When I’m working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem. But when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.” (Richard Buckminster Fuller)

“One should never impose one’s views on a problem; one should rather study it, and in time a solution will reveal itself.” (Albert Einstein)

“The second assault on the same problem should come from a totally different direction.” (Tom Hirshfield)

“To solve the problems of today, we must focus on tomorrow.” (Erik Nupponen)

“All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront them.” (William F. Halsey)

“The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small.” (Witter Bynner)

Lessons in problems

“Understand that most problems are a good sign. Problems indicate that progress is being made, wheels are turning, you are moving toward your goals. Beware when you have no problems. Then you’ve really got a problem… Problems are like landmarks of progress.” (Scott Alexander )

“There are no big problems, there are just a lot of little problems.” (Henry Ford)

“Some problems are just too complicated for rational, logical solutions. They admit of insights, not answers.” (Jerome Wiesner)

“We have no problems, only situations. Not all problems have solutions, but all situations have outcomes.” (John E. Gray)

“The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.” (Anonymous)

“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” (John W. Gardner)

The necessity of being content

“The solution of every problem is another problem.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

“All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

“Perfect solutions of our difficulties are not to be looked for in an imperfect world.” (Winston Churchill)

Start with a problem!

Here are some websites which provide excellent definitions to our global problems:

The World Future Council