Definitions Quote by Esther Dyson
“The definition of the problem, rather than its solution, will be the scarce resource in the future.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Future of Innovation Conference, 2005
Identifying the right problem is harder than finding a solution; problem definition becomes the limiting factor.
In simple terms: Finding the right problem is harder than solving it.
Key Takeaway
Focus on defining problems clearly.
Themes
problem solving
innovation
strategy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
strategic
insightful
When to use this quote
- product development
- research planning
- policy design
- entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
systems thinking
resource scarcity
Questions to Reflect On
- What problem are you assuming is solved?
- How can you test if your problem definition is accurate?
A Different Perspective
A clear problem statement may still be limited by data or bias.
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
