The Genesis of Problem Solving: Part I

If you give a person a solution, a problem is solved. If you teach a person problem-solving, they will have a lifetime of solutions

The “Human Element” confounds problem solving. Take Robotaxis. Brilliant scientists invented driverless cars that improves humans’ quality of life. In metropolitan areas, driverless “Waymos” are frequently seen the roads. The other day, I was on a narrow street and faced off against one of these robot machines. No game of chicken was needed. The self-driving car and I politely navigated around each other. A miracle of technology!

Despite engineers’ great advancement and the benefit to humanity, the “Human Element” quickly reared its ugly head. With complete disregard of these marvelous vehicles, humans have abused them. In San Francisco, the cars became places for public sex; a sort of four wheeled brothel. In Los Angeles, “Waymos” were employed by peaceful protesters. They set them on fire.

Did the Tech Masters have kinky sex and arson on their bingo cards when they developed this transformative transportation? For certain, the Human Element confounds almost anything. Thus, problem solving must factor in human behavior.

The Human Element

Studying the Human Element is also problematic. Top Universities have done scholarly work on the topic. At Harvard University, a “Business Ethics” Professor was terminated based upon allegations that included data alteration. Oh my! The Human Element is truly inescapable.

Due to its reach, understanding Human Nature is an essential element for effective problem solving.

Thus, it is worthwhile to begin at the beginning. The Book of Genesis was an early attempt to explores the Human Element. While it was early, it had millenniums worth of data. This is why, even on a secular basis, Genesis is a compelling read.

This Post illustrates how one of the Bible’s most famous stories captures many of the Human Condition’s characteristics.

Adam, Eve & The Snake

Adam and Eve’s tale in the Garden of Eden captures many human characteristics. To appreciate this, the story, in part, must be told.

Adam is instructed that he is not to eat from the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad.” Genesis 2:15:17.

Eventually, Eve, Adam’s partner, encounters a snake.

The snake tells her that “Because God knows that in the day you eat from it [the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil] your eyes will be opened, and you’ll be like God- knowing good and bad.” And the woman saw that the tree was good for eating and that it was an attraction to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to bring about understanding, and she took some of its fruit, and she ate, and gave to her man with her as well, and he ate. ” Genesis 3:5-6.

The passage’s take-aways are as follows:

(1) humans break rules,

(2) humans are easily influenced by peers,

(3) humans see things and desire them,

(4) humans have a thirst for knowledge (or power), and

(5) humans like to share (or corrupt others with) their bad acts.

Adam & Eve, Part 2

When confronted by God and queried as to why they disobeyed the commandment to not eat the fruit, the man said “the woman, whom you placed with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12 The woman replied “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13.

The passage’s takeaways are as follows:

(1) humans are quick to assign blame to others,

(2) humans are quick to blame accusers to defend their accusers, and

(3) humans often refuse to accept responsibility for their faults.

The Big Take-Away

This child-like tale tells volumes about the Human Element. It reveals a multitude of human characteristics which must be addressed in problem solving. They include that rules will be broken, peer influences will be followed, and humans desire things which they see. Finally, they must address the fact that not only are humans quick to assign blame to others, they will also turn the tables on their accusers.

Conclusion

To be better problem solver, individuals must navigate and address numerous human tendencies. While they often defy both logic and common sense, they are easily identifiable. Genesis’ author, thousands of years ago, brilliantly captured them in the most memorable of stories.

Be well!!

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