Science of Problem Solving, Day 3: Principle of the Second Element

(This is Part 3 of a series. Please read the previous two posts.)

When we do not know a solution to a problem, in all likelihood we are viewing the problematic situation incorrectly. A better way is to view problems as side-effects of a lack of something. Darkness is an absence of light. Hunger is an absence of nourishment. Weakness is the absence of strength. Et cetera.

Now this seems patently obvious when we already know the solution to a problem. However, when most people are confronted with a problem that has no readily apparent solution, they do not view a problem in this way. Instead they attempt to solve the problem, as mentioned yesterday, by attacking it or its symptoms.

When a problem is viewed in terms of lack, then the solution becomes evident. The solution is a second element – something that exists outside the problem. If the problem is darkness, attacking the darkness won’t fix anything. And making a thorough study of darkness will never find the solution either. Since darkness is an absence of light, the solution is the second element – light. Bring the second element and the problem disappears. Bring food and hunger disappears. Bring water and thirst disappears.

On this note, I’ve got to stop as I promised the off-spring that I’d do something with him today. I’ll expand on this logic in my next post.

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