First Blog

Introduction. In previous chapters, we have talked extensively about problem-solving techniques, and in particular, what can go wrong. Among them are difficulties with the team, the leadership, the problem itself, the problem's multiple solutions, and many others. What we consider here a more personal set of impediments to problem-solving, though they apply to all settings. It is based on research from psychology, cognitive science, my own observations,  and various fields of problem-solving. Call them collectively as your Blind Spots. Here are ten of the most common impediments people face when trying to solve problems. We follow these up with another five, perhaps of lesser importance. As usual, this is not a discussion about math class, where solutions are usually unique, it being a matter of finding it. It is about real-world problems where multiple solutions, bias, and overload are commonplace. The Top Ten Impediments. At a minimum, everyone should be  aware of the...

  ODD THOUGHTS FOR FRIDAY (9/5/25), argument, treasure, wisdom, gifts to kids A.     No rational argument will have a rational effect on a man who does not want to adopt a rational attitude. - Karl Popper, philosopher B.     The true treasure hunter is the one who knows treasure when he sees it.   C.     The pause taken before a decision may open the door to wisdom. D.     Instead of buying your kids all the things you wished you had, teach them all the things you wish you had been taught. --- Bruce Lee (paraphrased)

1.      Introduction. Your marvelous brain not only thinks but can think in a variety of ways. Thinking in evolutionary terms, most have practical roots, but others are new and learned. It is almost wonderous the scope of these modes of thinking, almost as if it was designed for tasks that lay ahead. In this short essay we give brief descriptions of some of our many thinking modes we use to solve problems. The sheer number of thinking modes suggests another point of separation between humans and other animals. For example, most predators think tactically, but how many think strategically? Not all these thinking modes come naturally. Many must be learned, practiced, and then perfected. Various personalities specialize in various types of thinking, which while adequate for some are insufficient to become a great thinker. The greatest of all is the human’s capacity for metacognition, its ability to control thought, or think about thinking. After this discussio...