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About this quote

What does it mean?
Thought has been turned into problem‑solving for assigned tasks, so even unassigned matters are treated as problems.
In plain terms
We frame everything as a problem to solve.
What can you take from it?
Allow space for unstructured thinking.

Where it applies

  • education
  • workplace

Putting it to work

  • schedule free‑thinking periods
  • avoid over‑problem‑izing

Questions to consider

  • When does problem‑solving hinder creativity?
  • How can we balance structure and openness?

Another view

Problem‑solving can be a useful discipline.

More from Theodor Adorno

  1. 'Auschwitz begins wherever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks: they're only animals.'

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  2. 'But he who dies in despair has lived his whole life in vain.'

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. 'Art is permitted to survive only if it renounces the right to be different, and integrates itself into the omnipotent realm of the profane.'

    Permalink to quote #14

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