A solved problem creates two new problems, and the best prescription for happy living is not to solve any more problems than you have to.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Solving one issue often leads to new ones, so limit your problem-solving.
- In plain terms
- Fixing problems creates more problems so do not solve too many.
- What can you take from it?
- Limit intervention to avoid creating new complications.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does fixing one thing break another?
- How do you decide if a problem is worth solving?
Another view
Avoiding problems entirely is not always possible or desirable.
More from Russell Baker
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Permalink to quote #3 It seems to be a law of American life that whatever enriches us anywhere except in the wallet inevitably becomes uneconomic.
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