21 Famous Quotes About Problem-Solving
A problem-solving mindset is the ability to transform problems into questions, solutions, and actions. When faced with a problem, whether it is minor or significant, it is crucial to resolve it swiftly.
One of the biggest predictors of success is not how creative the solution is, but how well-defined the problem is. Good problem-framing turns ambiguity into a measurable question you can test, learn from, and scale. This approach to problem-solving demonstrates lasting effectiveness.
The following quotes on problem solving remind us that problem-solving is less about quick fixes and more about fresh insights, thinking deliberately, and choosing the right approach before chasing the right answers.
Famous Quotes About Problem-Solving
1. 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 (Poet, literary journalist, playwright, academic)
2. Solving a problem simply means representing it so as to make the solution transparent.
― Herbert A. Simon (Computer science researcher)
3. Creativity is intelligence having fun.
― Albert Einstein (Theoretical physicist)
4. A problem well put is half solved.
― John Dewey (Philosopher, psychologist, educational reformer)
5. It is better to solve one problem five different ways, than to solve five problems one way.
― George Pólya (Mathematician)
6. Again and again, the impossible decision is solved when we see that the problem is only a tough decision waiting to be made.
― Dr. Robert Schuller (Motivational speaker, author)
7. Problems are only opportunities in work clothes.
― Henry J. Kaiser (Industrialist)
8. Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.
― Roger Lewin (Author)
9. Creativity can solve almost any problem. The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.
― George Lois (Art director, designer, and author.)
10. Life is a continuous exercise in creative problem solving.
― Michael J. Gelb (Author, executive coach and management consultant)
11. Being receptive, being able to listen openly and well, is a crucial skill for creative problem solving.
― Paul A. Kaufman (Filmmaker)
12. Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.
― Joseph Sugarman (Author)
13. A positive attitude will not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
― Herm Albright (Artist, columnist)
14. The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.
― Theodore I. Rubin (Psychiatrist, author)
15. If you do not ask the right questions, you do not get the right answers. A question asked in the right way often points to its own answer. Asking questions is the A-B-C of diagnosis. Only the inquiring mind solves problems.
― Edward Hodnett (Writer)
16. Solve it. Solve it quickly, solve it right or wrong. If you solve it wrong, it will come back and slap you in the face, and then you can solve it right. Lying dead in the water and doing nothing is a comfortable alternative because it is without risk, but it is an absolutely fatal way to manage a business.
― Thomas J. Watson (Industrialist)
17. Rather than denying problems, focus inventively, intentionally on what solutions might look or feel like. Our mind is meant to generate ideas that help us escape circumstantial traps — if we trust it to do so. Naturally, not all hunches are useful. But then you only need a single good idea to solve a problem.
― Marsha Sinetar (Corporate advisor, lecturer, author)
18. The how thinker gets problems solved effectively because he wastes no time with futile ifs.
― Norman Vincent Peale (Author)
19. No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.
― Voltaire (Writer, philosopher, historian)
20. Never bring the problem solving stage into the decision making stage. Otherwise, you surrender yourself to the problem rather than the solution.
― Dr. Robert Schuller (Motivational speaker, author)
21. No problem can be solved until it is reduced to some simple form. The changing of a vague difficulty into a specific, concrete form is a very essential element in thinking.
― J. P. Morgan (Financier and investment banker)
If you’re serious about developing and building problem-solving skills check our structured, repeatable, and universally applicable training program Creative Problem Solving (CPS). CPS was created as a universal framework for solving any kind of challenge – strategic, operational, social, or creative. Get in touch with us to learn more this process and schedule CPS training sessions.
