For the love of problems | Erwin Witteveen | TEDxArnhem
Problems inherently generate solutions, as every issue immediately suggests at least two potential fixes, ranging from simple physical adjustments to complex, creative shifts. The speaker argues that humans tend to ignore novel, systemic solutions (like reducing cars instead of building more roads) when focusing too narrowly on a problem, illustrated by the proposed solution of transferring Europe's water surplus to drought-stricken Africa via pipelines. The audience is therefore encouraged to embrace problems as catalysts, recognizing that potential solutions for one global issue (e.g., water in Africa) might address another (e.g., poverty and food shortages). ## Theses & Positions - Problems are beneficial because they *create* solutions; every good problem already implies at least two solutions. - The brain exhibits a tendency toward tunnel vision when solving problems, causing focus on a primary solution while ignoring peripheral possibilities (like seeing big boxes and ignoring small apples). - The best approaches to large-scale problems (like climate change) are not limited to obvious "logic solutions" (e.g., reducing CO2) but must incorporate "creative solutions." - The speaker's position is that one should approach major world problems with enthusiasm—being neither paralyzed by stress nor dismissive due to egoism—but instead focusing on the *potential solutions* they will create. - Large-scale solutions can be framed as connecting one global problem to solve another (e.g., using excess European water to solve African poverty and food shortages). ## Concepts & Definitions - **Problem:** A necessary starting point because it immediately sparks alternative solutions. - **Logic Solution:** A direct, predictable response to a problem (e.g., producing less CO2). - **Creative Solution:** Novel or unexpected ways to solve a problem, often involving lateral thinking (e.g., diverting water instead of just cutting emissions). - **Tunnel Vision:** The cognitive trap of focusing too intently on finding one specific solution (like a bigger box) that prevents noticing other, simpler possibilities (like smaller items). ## Mechanisms & Processes - **Problem Generation:** Identifying a conflict (e.g., Apple doesn't fit in Box) immediately generates alternatives (Bigger Box OR Smaller Apple). - **Creative Problem Solving Example:** The invention of apple juice stemmed from an initial problem. - **Global Problem Transfer Mechanism:** Using established infrastructure (pipelines for oil, 5,000 km from Siberia to Holland) to propose moving a resource (water) from an area of surplus (Europe) to one of deficiency (Africa). - **Desalination/Water Treatment:** The process of turning salty water into fresh water, which requires significant energy but can be powered by abundant solar energy in Africa. ## Timeline & Sequence - No explicit timeline is established, but the discussion progresses logically from small, physical problems to global issues (traffic, climate change, water management). ## Named Entities - **Netherlands:** Mentioned as a location where the speaker lives, near the coast. - **Africa:** Mentioned as a continent with abundant sun but experiencing water scarcity. - **Siberia:** Mentioned as the source of oil transported via pipelines to Holland. ## Numbers & Data - Comparison to 16,000 people in suits traveling by plane for international negotiation. - **5,000 kilometres:** The distance pipelines are used to transport oil from Siberia to Holland. - **Six meters:** The depth friends live below sea level in the Netherlands. - **One meter:** The potential sea-level rise amount mentioned for the next century. ## Examples & Cases - **The Apple and Box:** The initial physical problem requiring the immediate thought of a bigger box or a smaller apple. - **Apple Juice:** An invention rooted in an initial problem. - **Traffic Jam:** A large-scale problem with an obvious, but potentially incomplete, solution (building more routes). - **Global Warming:** A serious problem with diverse reactions (stressy, lazy/egoistic, non-believers). - **Dutch Example:** Living six meters below sea level and proposing that if they can build dikes for six meters, they can build them for seven meters. - **Water Transfer Proposal:** Moving excess water from Europe to Africa, using existing oil pipeline routes. - **Desalination Success:** Mentioning the existence of machines that can turn salt water into fresh water. ## Tools, Tech & Products - **Pipelines:** Used to transport oil 5,000 kilometres from Siberia to Holland, proposed for transporting water. - **Water Desalination Machines:** Devices capable of converting saltwater to fresh water. ## Counterarguments & Caveats - **Logic Solution Critique:** Building more routes for traffic is not the only answer; reducing cars is a logical alternative. - **The Negotiation Critique:** Diplomatic efforts (e.g., delegates flying to negotiate CO2 reduction) can lead to local counteractions (e.g., opening coal plants). - **Energy Constraint:** Desalination machines require a *lot* of energy, but the caveat is that Africa has plenty of solar energy. ## Conclusions & Recommendations - The speaker recommends adopting a mindset that embraces problems because they are inherent engines of innovation. - When tackling global issues, one must look beyond single solutions to find cascading solutions that solve multiple problems simultaneously. - The primary takeaways are that solutions already exist and can be implemented immediately. ## Implications & Consequences - By addressing global problems systematically, one can solve multiple systemic issues concurrently (e.g., water scarcity in Africa solving energy and food crises). ## Verbatim Moments - *"problems creates more solutions than problems in fact"* - *"it's always like that with every problem"* - *"they simply forget that I have just found a solution"* - *"What is the question that you are left with? What is it that you want to know?"* (Paraphrased example, but the core concept of questioning is key) - *"I think it would be more useful if these guys just go to the local forest and the local parks and plant a lot of trees"* - *"so there's not a big issue if we manage to build dikes to protect us against X six meters we can also well we can also build dikes for seven meters"* - *"I think we should bring our water problem to Africa because our water problem could be there"* - *"there's only one little problem that this water is salty and the vegetables they don't like salty water that can't grow on it but this problem is already solved"* - *"I love it because these problems have created a really a really a lot of solutions they are already there"*