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Amount Quote by Allen Newell

“[The] amount of search is not a measure of the amount of intelligence being exhibited. What makes a problem a problem is not that a large amount of search is required for its solution, but that a large amount would be required if a requisite level of intelligence were not applied.” quote by Allen Newell
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“[The] amount of search is not a measure of the amount of intelligence being exhibited. What makes a problem a problem is not that a large amount of search is required for its solution, but that a large amount would be required if a requisite level of intelligence were not applied.”

Allen Newell

About This Quote

Source Paper: Human Problem Solving, Allen Newell & Herbert A. Simon, 1972

Intelligence is measured by the quality of reasoning applied, not by how much searching is done.

In simple terms: Intelligence = smart reasoning, not brute search.

Key Takeaway

Focus on applying insight rather than exhaustive search.

Themes

intelligence problem solving efficiency

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • academic research
  • strategic planning
  • complex decision making

Key Concepts

cognitive science heuristics search algorithms

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you apply smarter heuristics?
  • What problems benefit from deeper insight?
A Different Perspective

Search alone may miss creative shortcuts.

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