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About this quote

What does it mean?
Feynman expresses uncertainty about whether a real problem exists when it cannot be clearly defined.
In plain terms
If you can't define the problem, you might not have one, but you can't be sure.
What can you take from it?
Define problems clearly before assuming they exist.

Where it applies

  • research planning
  • project management
  • self inquiry

Putting it to work

  • clarify the question
  • check assumptions
  • seek definitions

Questions to consider

  • What exactly is the problem you face?
  • Can you state it in one sentence?

Another view

Some real problems are hard to define initially.

More from Richard Feynman

  1. Don't worry about anything... Go out and have a good time.

    Permalink to quote #65

  2. If you can't explain something to a first year student, then you haven't really understood it.

    Permalink to quote #67

  3. Dear Mrs. Chown, Ignore your son's attempts to teach you physics. Physics isn't the most important thing. Love is. Best wishes, Richard Feynman.

    Permalink to quote #64

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