Thoughts Look into the root (problem XY)

Look into the root (problem XY)

Kuka ·

Yes, I want to share a thought about the need to look at the root of issues.

This is, you could say, a literal interpretation of the idea that one should think from first principles, yes, and understand what the XY problem is.

First principles, fundamental principles, are about when you start solving a problem and you don't understand where this problem begins. And this idea of first principles, about needing to just think about what the problem is, where it comes from, what is the primary source of this problem.

The XY problem is like an explanation of what I'm talking about now. That is, a person tries to solve problem Y, thinking that they will solve problem X. But in reality, there is no guarantee that solving problem Y will solve problem X.

And it's very common, especially in the technological world, where in human judgment, especially in the technological world, people think that by solving problem Y, they can automatically solve problem X. But the interesting thing is that no one even talks about problem X.

And people are so lost in the context of their thinking that they can't distinguish where problem X is and where problem Y is. And so a logical error occurs - a mismatch, the chain breaks, and people get stuck and can't solve anything. Now I want to here contrast with something in your life that might be a dilemma or a situation, or even a problem, but not necessarily that you can count and label it as a problem, yes.

If you want to change something, you must understand the primary source of this problem or situation. Because otherwise, you just roam and roam through the same labyrinths into the same situations, not understanding why. Because it seems you are solving the problem you see before you, but the roots of this problem are much deeper.

It's not necessarily a first or second-level problem. It can be a fifth-level, tenth-level problem. And people who try to focus on the surface without deep reflection, without understanding, it's not that you need to reflect a lot, sit and waste time, dig deep. This isn't it, it's a thankless job, and you can't understand much by digging deep.

But spend some time to simply understand the thoroughness, the depth of your situation, problem. That's necessary. But be careful and do it once or twice.

That's all.

And then insist on action, insist on the act of something. And let it be an act of some revelation, or an act of specific discipline, or it will be an act of bravery, but don't go there, to the bottom, into the depth.

That concludes the thought.

And remember, solving problem Y will not always lead to solving problem X. Understand what exactly problem X is in your specific case.


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