The Genesis of Problem Solving Part II

Spectacular problem solving led to the JPL’s Mars Rovers’ success. The Mission Designers and Planners exceeded expectations by considering every single contingency imaginable. As a result, some of these Red Planet space exploration devices continued providing data long past their anticipated expiration dates. The JPL staff truly deserved an award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence.

The Reason

Why was there this Martian success? Could it be that Humans have yet to occupy Mars? The answer to that question is likely “yes!”

This Post, Problem Solving Part II, explores what human traits confound solutions. Once again, a Book of Genesis exposes the challenges which problem-solvers must address.

Cain & Abel

Cain & Abel’s tale is Master Class in leadership and its failure.

The story starts with an individual getting exposed for not making their best effort. Genesis tells of Cain’s minimum exertion in collecting items intended as an offering to the Lord. In contrast, his brother Abel made an exceptional effort.

Cain simply gathers fruit of the ground. The items he was gathering were nothing special. (Note: does the “fruit of the ground” imply that fallen fruit versus ones which required picking and more desirable. ) In contrast, his brother Abel offered up first borne animals and fat. Abel’s offering was substantial. Genesis 4:1-4

Predictably, the Lord deservedly gave his attention towards Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. Genesis 4:4 This upset Cain.

The Lord, seeing Cain emotionally disturbed, proceeded to give him advice. “Why are you upset, and why has your face fallen?” Is it not that if you do well you’ll be raised, and if you don’t do well then sin crouches at the threshold? And its desire will be for you. And you’ll dominate it!” Genesis 4:6.

Rather than heeding the Lord’s words, “Cain rose against Abel his brother and killed him.” Genesis 4:8. He solved his problem by eliminating his superior competition.

(Note: Is anger is a common response to justifiable embarrassment? )

The Take-Aways

There are voluminous take-aways from this short and ancient story. They include:

Humans can fail to appreciate the significance of the moment and act improperly.

Humans don’t always make give their best efforts.

Humans get enraged when their low energy/low thought actions are exposed.

Human beings don’t often listen to authority’s quality advice.

Human beings’ self-worth is often not realistic.

Human beings measure themselves by other humans.

Human have difficulty accepting responsibility for their own failures.

Once heightened emotionally, humans are capable of anything, including murder.

Humans solve problems by eliminating their perceived problem’s source.

Human will remove their problems regardless of any moral concern.

What is the Torah Doing?

While Problem Solvers must address the Human Element, it is worthwhile for them to look at the Torah. The Torah is an attempt to problem solve the problem of the Human Element. It attempts to solve the question: “How is it possible to steer human behavior to act morally?” The Torah’s solution is in the meaning of solution- instruction. One must then ask as to whether the “book of instruction” was something that worked? Also, was its methodology sound?

The Torah’s methodology includes addressing a wide range of the human experience. The book addresses all social strata. It include the most powerful human beings at the time, the Pharaoh, yet also focuses on the least powerful, a concubine and her son set off into the wilderness by her family- Hagar and Ishmael.

The book addresses revered individuals with their moral controversies. For instance, Abraham with the Binding of Isaac and Moses striking the rock. The Book illustrates questionable individuals rising to do the right thing, i.e. Judah’s dealing with Tamar and Esau in welcoming Jacob.

The Torah weaves these diverse tales with wide ranging sets of laws. Thus, the pedagogy was combining rule with example. Was it effective?

In the end, the Torah offers a picture of authority struggling with with the Human Element. At the same time, it shows humans struggling with authority. This proves to be a problem in very generation.

Conclusion

Problems solvers must dig deep into the recesses of the human mind to improve upon their effectiveness. Thus, studying and understanding human behavior is necessary for any solution that involves people. Any solution that does not factor in the Human Element is likely doomed.

Be well!!

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