Idea 60: Six steps for problem solvers
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, German physicist
You can develop your ability to exercise judgement soundly. Following the six steps below when you are confronted with a problem is a useful start. The resulting judgements, you may well find, are better than when you made no conscious effort to use your reasoning powers.
1. Recognition – General unease does not constitute a problem. There is something ‘thrown forward’ in one’s path, a difficulty, obstruction or frustration, which has to be identified. Once known, the problem may be tackled or avoided, but you need to see the problem first before you ...
