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About this quote

What does it mean?
To solve complex problems, break them down into smaller, manageable pieces that can be addressed one by one.
In plain terms
Split big problems into smaller parts to solve them.
What can you take from it?
Breaking tasks down makes them easier to handle.

Where it applies

  • project management
  • technical debugging
  • research planning

Putting it to work

  • decompose complex tasks
  • create step-by-step plans

Questions to consider

  • How do you know when a problem is too complex to solve at once?
  • What criteria do you use to split a task?

Another view

Some problems are holistic and cannot be easily divided without losing context.

More from Rene Descartes

  1. The first precept was never to accept a thing as true until I knew it as such without a single doubt.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. The last rule was to make enumerations so complete, and reviews so comprehensive, that I should be certain of omitting nothing.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues.

    Permalink to quote #8

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