E.1 Problem Definition, Focusing, and Simplicity
Understanding Creativity through Quotations of the Creative
As one asks questions about a problem we find that many questions have answers. Answering a question that already has an answer is not particularly new or useful. Moving from the problem recognition phase to the problem definition phase one must focus on finding an unanswered question. Charles F. Kettering great General Motors Inventor wrote: "The process of research is to pull the problem apart into its different elements, a great many of which you already know about. When you get it pulled apart, you can work on the things you don't know about." One focuses on the problem and in so doing you simply the work down to focus only what needs to be done. Albert Einstein said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler.”
TYPE QUOTES
A problem well stated is half solved.
-John Dewey
The secret of science is to ask the right question, and it is the choice of problem more than anything else that marks the man of genius in the scientific world.
-C. P. Snow
Simplicity is the most difficult thing to secure in this world; it is the last limit of experience and the last effort of genius.
-George Sand
Review of first five phases
To get started being creative one has to believe what you are doing is important, you have to have a desire or dream you want fulfilled, you have to observe or hear about a problem. Observation is motivated by curiosity. You then recognize and ask questions about the problem. Next you have to define the problem. Defining the problem means finding the very thing that needs to be understood. Often understanding the nut of the problem requires simplification. The successful definition of the problem can lead directly to a solution. However, problem definition is often difficult. Remember you are trying to define something that you do not understand. As one proceeds through the following phases, Problem Definition often requires revisiting.
SELECTED QUOTES
If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.
-Seneca
A problem well stated is half solved.
-John Dewey
Any problem can be solved as long as it is stated properly.
-Dr Edwin Land
The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.
-Bertrand Russell
The beginning of an acquaintance whether with persons or things is to get a definite outline of our ignorance.
-George Elliot
If I had 20 days to solve a problem, I would take 19 days to define it
-Albert Einstein
The process of research is to pull the problem apart into its different elements, a great many of which you already know about. When you get it pulled apart, you can work on the things you don't know about.
-Charles F. Kettering
The secret of science is to ask the right question, and it is the choice of problem more than anything else that marks the man of genius in the scientific world.
-C. P. Snow
It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of concentrated.
-Sherlock Holmes
It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem.
-Gilbert Keith Chesterton
Simplicity is the most difficult thing to secure in this world; it is the last limit of experience and the last effort of genius.
-George Sand
Explaining something makes it go away, so to speak; what's important is left after you have explained everything else.
-Edward Gorey
Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.
-Paulo Coelho
Focusing is about saying No.
-Steve Jobs
The art of becoming wise is the art of knowing where to overlook.
-William James
The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.
-Michael Porter
Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.
-Isaac Newton
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
-Leonardo Da Vinci
Seek simplicity, and distrust it.
-Alfred North Whitehead
SELECTED POSTERS (A - C)
The above posters are (A - C) from my poster collection. I will be publishing more posters later. The following table Displays the position of these posters in my classification of Phases and Topics of the Creative Process. My posts will follow the order of the following table. This post is E.1 on the Importance of Creativity. It is E point 1 because I have many more posters on this topic and anticipate posting more as E.2 etc.
List of the Phases and Topics correlated to the Steps in the Scientific Method. These phases and topics have been derived from study of quotations from many creative individual from many fields of endeavor.
My goal is to publish quote poster collections on A through W as individual posts, eventually. Currently my quote collection numbers over 4,000 and my poster collection includes nearly 1,400 different individuals. I have created over 50 posters for each Phase and Topic listed in the above table. Advise and wisdom from as many individuals as possible is my goal. These quotes and the posters have driven the classification above. - Apply for a free subscription. Thanks Walt.
The next phase of the process is labeled F.1 Preparation, Experience, and Planning.
Walter H Pierce