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27 Quotes to Change How You Think About Problems Great minds give you the benefit of their experience.

By Daniel Marlin Edited by Dan Bova Apr 21, 2017

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It happens to even the most seasoned of entrepreneurs. You've built momentum for your latest project, you're excited to embrace new challenges and you've visualized success at the end of the road.

But all of a sudden an unexpected problem stops you dead in your tracks -- and this one seems impossible to solve.

Yes, major hurdles are disheartening, and they're often unavoidable. But the way you engage with and think about problems directly influences your ability to solve them.

Here's how some of the world's smartest people think about problems and how you can learn to overcome them.

Related: 4 Effective Ways Leaders Solve Problems and Stop them Before They Happen

1. "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." – Albert Einstein

2. "Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." – Robert H. Shuller

3. "All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them." – William F. Halsey

4. "Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." – James Baldwin

5. "Sometimes problems don't require a solution to solve them; Instead they require maturity to outgrow them." – Steve Maraboli

6. "Every problem is a gift. Without them we wouldn't grow" – Tony Robbins

7. "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." – Soren Kierkegaard

8. "If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?" – Shantideva

9. "It isn't that they cannot find the solution. It is that they cannot see the problem." – G.K Chesterton

10. "Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity" – Gerhard Gschwandtner

11. "We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem." – Russell L. Ackoff

12. "A positive attitude may not solve your problems -- but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." – Anonymous

Related: 4 Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude Even When You're Stressed

13. "Running away from a problem only increases the distance from the solution." – Anonymous

14. "Problem-solving leaders have one thing in common: a faith that there's always a better way." – Gerald M. Weinberg

15. "Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems." – Rene Descartes

16. "Your ability to solve problems and make good decisions is the true measure of your skill as a leader." – Brian Tracy

17. "If you are unable to understand the cause of a problem, it is impossible to solve it." – Naoto Kan

18. "A problem is a chance for you to do your best." – Duke Ellington

19. "Giving up is the most painful way of solving a problem." – Anonymous

20. "Instead of thinking out the box, get rid of the box." – Deepak Chopra

21. "Solving problems means listening." – Richard Branson

22. "Inside of every problem lies an opportunity." – Robert Kiposaki

23. "There is no problem outside of you that is superior to the power within you." – Bob Proctor

24. "You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability." – Michael J. Gelb

Related: Entrepreneurship Is Not About Problem Solving

25. "Don't bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem yourself." – Colin Powell

26. "If a problem can be solved it will be. If it cannot be solved there is no use worrying about it." – Dalai Lama XIV

27. "All life is problem solving." – Karl Popper

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Problem Solving Quotes

The best way to predict the future is to create it. – Peter Drucker

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. – Albert Einstein

Every problem is a gift – without problems, we would not grow. – Tony Robbins

Don’t find faults, find solutions. – Henry Ford

A problem is only a problem if you think it’s a problem. – John Maxwell

The biggest problem-solving tool we have is our mindset. – Unknown

Success is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to solve them. – Unknown

Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. – Robert H. Schuller

The only way to escape the problem is to solve it. – Unknown

When faced with a problem, do not ask ‘Why me?’ Ask ‘Why not me?’ – Unknown

Problems are not obstacles, they are opportunities in disguise. – Unknown

You can’t solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it. – Albert Einstein

If you don’t like where you are, change it. You are not a tree. – Jim Rohn

Every problem has a solution, but it may not be the one you expected. – Unknown

The best problems are the ones we create for ourselves. – Unknown

The difference between a problem and an opportunity is your attitude. – Unknown

The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem. – Captain Jack Sparrow

Problem Solving Quotes part 2

Stop being a part of the problem; start being a part of the solution. – Unknown

You can’t solve all the problems in the world, but you can solve some. – Unknown

The best way to solve a problem is to solve it together. – Unknown

Problems are opportunities in work clothes. – Henry J. Kaiser

The best way to solve a problem is to meet it head-on. – Unknown

The greatest solutions come from understanding the problem deeply. – Unknown

Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. – Jim Rohn

Problems are just puzzles waiting to be solved. – Unknown

When faced with a problem, look for the lesson rather than the blame. – Unknown

Don’t run away from problems; run towards solutions. – Unknown

The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity for growth. – Unknown

The solution is not out there; it’s within you. – Unknown

Problems are a sign of life; they are how we grow. – Unknown

The best way to find a solution is to first understand the problem. – Unknown

Problems are temporary; solutions are permanent. – Unknown

Problems are not obstacles, they are invitations to think creatively. – Unknown

You can’t solve every problem, but you can solve one at a time. – Unknown

The harder the problem, the more rewarding the solution. – Unknown

The solution lies in your ability to ask the right questions. – Unknown

Don’t wait for someone else to solve your problems; take action. – Unknown

Problems are stepping stones to success. – Unknown

Problems are opportunities for creativity and innovation. – Unknown

Problems are not the end of the road; they are a detour. – Unknown

Problems are a part of life; solving them is a part of living. – Unknown

Problems are like puzzles; they require a systematic approach. – Unknown

Problems are not roadblocks; they are redirections. – Unknown

Don’t complain about your problems; create solutions. – Unknown

Every problem has a solution, you just have to find it. – Unknown

Solving problems is not a burden, it’s a privilege. – Unknown

Problems are the raw materials of success. – Unknown

The best solutions are often simple, but not always easy. – Unknown

Problems are temporary, solutions are permanent. – Unknown

Your ability to solve problems is directly related to your level of success. – Unknown

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Tracing Quotations

I Would Spend 55 Minutes Defining the Problem and then Five Minutes Solving It

Albert Einstein? A Yale Professor? Apocryphal?

If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only five minutes finding the solution. If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions. Given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 59 minutes understanding the problem and one minute resolving it.

Because there are so many different variations I do not have much confidence that this was actually said by the acclaimed genius. Would you please explore this expression?

Quote Investigator: There is no substantive evidence that Einstein ever made a remark of this type. It is not listed in the comprehensive collection “The Ultimate Quotable Einstein” from Princeton University Press. [1] 2010, The Ultimate Quotable Einstein, Edited by Alice Calaprice, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. (Examined on paper)

The earliest relevant evidence located by QI appeared in a 1966 collection of articles about manufacturing. An employee of the Stainless Processing Company named William H. Markle wrote a piece titled “The Manufacturing Manager’s Skills” which included a strong match for the saying under investigation. However, the words were credited to an unnamed professor at Yale University and not to Einstein. Also, the hour was split into 40 vs. 20 minutes instead of 55 vs. 5 minutes. Boldface has been added to excerpts: [2] 1966, The Manufacturing Man and His Job by Robert E. Finley and Henry R. Ziobro, “The Manufacturing Manager’s Skills” by William H. Markle (Vice President, Stainless Processing … Continue reading

Some years ago the head of the Industrial Engineering Department of Yale University said, “If I had only one hour to solve a problem, I would spend up to two-thirds of that hour in attempting to define what the problem is.”

Albert Einstein died in 1955, and by 1973 a version of the saying had been assigned to him in an article in the journal “Invention Intelligence” based in New Delhi, India. Interestingly, the hour was split into three parts instead of two. No supporting data for the attribution was given: [3] 1973 August, Invention Intelligence, Volume 8, Number 8, Can I Learn to Invent? by A. M. Elijah (Director, Institute of Creative Development, Poona-1), Start Page 294, Quote Page 297, Issued by the … Continue reading

Often the problem as given is misleading, and you have to work through a mass of data to define the real problem. Often this step consumes more time than deriving the solution. Einstein said: “If I were given an hour in which to do a problem upon which my life depended, I would spend 40 minutes studying it, 15 minutes reviewing it and 5 minutes solving it.”

Here are additional selected citations in chronological order.

In 1986 an instance of the saying was attributed to Einstein in a paper published in the conference proceedings of the International Association of Quality Circles. The hour was split into two parts. The phrase “Einstein is reported to have said” suggested that the author did not have much confidence in the ascription: [4] 1986, Educational Transactions of the 8th Annual IAQC Spring Conference, “Creatively Managing Your Mind” by Robert J. Greene (IBM Corporation), Start Page 62, Quote Page 68, Published by … Continue reading

Einstein is reported to have said that if he only had one hour to solve a problem he would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and the remaining 5 minutes solving it routinely.

In 1989 “The Practical Guide to Joint Ventures and Corporate Alliances” was published, and the author presented an instance attributed to Einstein. This version once again split the hour into three parts: [5] 1989, The Practical Guide to Joint Ventures and Corporate alliances by Robert Porter Lynch, Chapter 13: Problems and Pitfalls in Strategy and Structure, Quote Page 225 and 226, John Wiley & Sons, … Continue reading

Albert Einstein was once asked how he would spend his time if he was given a problem upon which his life depended and he had only one hour to solve it. He responded by saying he would spend 30 minutes analyzing the problem, 20 minutes planning the solution, and ten minutes executing the solution. For those overly prone to jumping into action, a bit more planning would be worthwhile.

Skilled researchers Jesse Mazer and Barry Popik have also examined this saying and some of their findings have been incorporated in the next section. [6] Website: Wikiquote: Discussion Page, Webpage Title: Talk: Albert Einstein, Discussion topic: If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only … Continue reading [7] Website: The Big Apple, Article title: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem”, Date on website: May 06, 2014, Website description: Etymological … Continue reading

In 1995 the book “Creative Problem Solving and Opportunity Finding” printed an instance of the expression in which Einstein was called upon to save the world: [8] 1995, Creative Problem Solving and Opportunity Finding by J. Daniel Couger, Chapter 6, Quote Page 178, Boyd & Fraser Publishing Company, Danvers, Massachusetts, A division of International … Continue reading

Dewey believed that a problem well stated was half solved. Albert Einstein was even more emphatic about the importance of the definition of the problem. He was once asked: “If you have one hour to save the world, how would you spend that hour?” He replied, “I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and then five minutes solving it.”

In March 1995 “The Orange County Register” newspaper of California printed the remarks of a management professor at McMasters University in Ontario who credited Einstein with an instance of the saying: [9] 1995 March 19, The Orange County Register, Section: Business, “BUSINESS FIND A NEW TOOL: CREATIVITY – STRATEGIES: More companies are encouraging creative thinking in order to remain … Continue reading

While brainstorming and problem solving are important, it’s equally critical to pinpoint the exact problem, Basadur said. “When Einstein was asked how he would save the world in one hour, he said he’d spend 55 minutes defining the problem and five minutes solving it,” Basadur said.

A 2012 book about the talents needed by workers in the robotic age presented a dramatic scenario for the time limit and suggested that Einstein delivered his remarks during an interview: [10] 2012, Metaskills: Five Talents for the Robotic Age by Marty Neumeier, Unnumbered page, Published by New Riders, an imprint of Peachpit, a division of Pearson Education. (Google Books Preview)

In another interview he said that if he knew a fiery comet was certain to destroy the earth in an hour , and it was his job to head it off, he would spend the first fifty-five minutes defining the problem and the last five minutes solving it.

An interesting analogous statement has been spuriously attributed to another eminent person. The following remark about preparing to perform a task is usually assigned to Abraham Lincoln. An examination of its provenance is available by following this link :

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

In conclusion, currently there is no known substantive support for the claim that Albert Einstein made one of these remarks. The earliest evidence points to an unknown academic at Yale University who may have made the statement given in the 1966 citation. The popular expression has been evolving for decades leading to a creative efflorescence of inaccuracies.

Image Notes: Albert Einstein during a lecture in Vienna in 1921 via Wikimedia Commons. Clock face showing 55 minutes from OpenClips on Pixabay.

(Myriad thanks to John McChesney-Young for obtaining scans of the important 1973 citation. Great thanks to Don MacDonald and the librarians of the Harvard Business School for obtaining scans of the key 1986 citation. Many thanks to Barry Popik whose previous research and query led QI to formulate this question and perform this exploration. Special thanks to Jesse Mazer for his valuable work tracing Einstein attributions at Wikiquote.)

Update History: On June 20, 2014 the 1973 citation was moved from the appendix into the main body of the article. This movement occurred after the citation had been verified with scans.

Quotes about Problem-Solving

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“ A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” --Duke Ellington

“We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” -- Albert Einstein

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” -- John Dewey

“A sum can be put right : but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on.” -- C. S. Lewis ,  The Great Divorce

“If your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail.” --  Abraham Maslow 

Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. -- Roger Lewin

There's no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. -- Betty Williams

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61 Quotes About Problem Solving and Thinking for Yourself

What is your biggest problem right now, at this moment?

Have you clearly defined the problem and brainstormed solutions? If so, you are halfway to devising a resolution.

Problem-solving requires thinking. Thinking requires effort. Effort requires commitment.

Commit yourself to solving your own problems and thinking for yourself. Only then will you truly be free.

In a world with so many problems, problem-solving is hard. In a time when thinking is easily supplanted by automaticity and ease, thinking creatively and uniquely is a challenge.

Are you ready to solve your problem? Are you brave enough to think for yourself?

While you ponder each question, enjoy these quotes about solving problems and thinking for oneself.

Quotes About Problem Solving and Thinking for Yourself

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. ~ Rudyard Kipling

There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. ~ Betty Williams

It’s not a problem that we have a problem. It’s a problem if we don’t deal with the problem. ~ Mary Kay Utech

Think for yourself, or others will think for you without thinking of you. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Never try to solve all the problems at once — make them line up for you one-by-one. ~ Richard Sloma

If thy knowledge is real, employ it; wrestle with nature; test the strength of thy theories; see if they will support the trial; act! ~ Jean Baptiste Aloysius

All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them. ~ William F. Halsey

Be yourself and think for yourself, and while your conclusions may not be infallible they will be nearer right than the inclusions forced upon you by those who have a personal interest in keeping you in ignorance. ~ Elbert Hubbard

I went quickly from being a scientist to an advisor. Getting a rigorous Ph.D. in the hard sciences is about learning how to think, how to problem-solve and how to approach a circumstance... ~ Philippe Hartl

What keeps me up at night is if we continue down this path of becoming more and more dependent on science and technology, that less and less of the population is educated in science and math, or at least has an appreciation for how it affects life—and that will lead to decisions that are not optimal for the species or the country. ~ Philippe Hartl

You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it. ~ Malcolm X  

A sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. ~ C. S. Lewis

To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable open-mindedness, chaotic, confused vulnerability to inform yourself. ~ Timothy Leary

Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you’ll try to deal with them on their level – and on their level they’ll beat you every time. ~ Jean Cocteau

People say that you’re going the wrong way when it’s simply a way of your own. ~ Angelina Jolie

Whatever failures I have known, whatever errors I have committed, whatever follies I have witnessed in public and private life, have been the consequences of action without thought. ~ Bernard Baruch

There’s no such thing as running away from the problem. They’re very patient and will wait a lifetime for you. ~ Darnell Lamont Walker

If you read, you can learn to think for yourself. ~ Doris Lessing

Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. ~ Roger Lewin

The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it. ~ Brendan Francis

Take responsibility for what you think and what you do. ~ Terence McKenna

Think for yourselves for a change. You’ve been pedlars: go and be merchants. You’ve been mercenaries: go and find something of your own to defend. ~ Dorothy Dunnett

To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask? ~ Jim Rohn

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. ~ Mark Twain

Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. ~ Henri Kaiser

A problem well stated is a problem half solved. ~ Charles Kettering

It is a fact that before we begin to think we seem to know everything; while when we set about thinking in earnest, we seem to know nothing. ~ Horace Smith (aka Paul Chatfield)

He only sees well who sees the whole in the parts, and the parts in the whole. ~ Johann Caspar Lavater

I know but three classes of men: those who see the whole, those who see but a part, and those who see both together. ~ Johann Caspar Lavater

Learn to see, listen, and think for yourself. ~ Malcolm X

If you form the habit of going by what you hear others say about someone, or going by what others think about someone, instead of searching that thing out for yourself and seeing for yourself, you will be walking west when you think you’re going east, and you will be walking east when you think you’re going west. ~ Malcolm X

Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. ~ Marva Collins

There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see, yet small enough to solve. ~ Mike Leavitt

Don’t waste your time trying to control the uncontrollable, or trying to solve the unsolvable, or think about what could have been. ~ David Mahoney

...think about what you can control and solve the problem you can solve with the wisdom you have gained from both your victories and your defeats in the past. ~ David Mahoney

It is better to solve one problem five different ways, than to solve five problems one way. ~  George Pólya

Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow. ~ Tony Robbins

Learn to judge the thought independently of who says it or how. ~ Witold Gombrowicz

Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution. ~ Anonymous

When you place a high value on truth, you have to think for yourself. ~ Cornel West 

Start thinking for yourself, ask “why?” and even venture to say “why should I?” and pretty soon you will have half the world at your throat for being a “trouble maker.” ~ Christina Engela 

It is well known that “problem avoidance” is an important part of problem solving. Instead of solving the problem you go upstream and alter the system so that the problem does not occur in the first place. ~ Edward de Bono 

You can’t escape the madness of crowds by dogmatically rejecting them...The most contrarian thing of all is not to oppose the crowd but to think for yourself. ~ Peter Thiel

Today, take the limits off of yourself. You will never rise higher than your thinking. Get a bigger vision for your life. ~ Joel Osteen 

Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. ~ Denis Waitley 

You have to change your thinking if you desire to have a future different from your present. ~ Germany Kent 

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems—not people; to focus your energies on answers—not excuses. ~ William Arthur Ward 

The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. ~ John Foster Dulles 

Again and again, the impossible decision is solved when we see that the problem is only a tough decision waiting to be made. ~ Robert Schuller 

The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small. ~ Harold Witter Bynner 

The wise person devotes more time to structuring problems by considering potential consequences before acting. This leads to better judgments, better foresight, and to behavior that increases the probability of desired outcomes, or decreases the probability of undesired outcomes. ~ Moshe F. Rubinstein 

Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. ~ M. Scott Peck 

If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance. ~ Susan Del Gatto 

We always hope for the easy fix: the one simple change that will erase a problem in a stroke. But few things in life work this way. Instead, success requires making a hundred small steps go right – one after the other... ~ Atul Gawande 

When faced with a problem you do not understand, do any part of it you do understand and then look at it again. ~ Robert Heinlein 

...we have all, at some point, confused doing something—anything—with actually solving the problem. ~ Sherry Thomas  

When are you going to stop thinking about things that don’t matter and start thinking about what lies ahead for you? ~ Madeleine Brent 

Do not let yourself be contaminated by others’ ideas of what is best for you. Cast aside the shackles of destructive thinking. ~ Kai Greene 

Consistency is respecting the flames while aiming to extinguish problems at the base of the fire. ~ Dexter A. Daniels 

The problem is not the problem, it’s your attitude about the problem. ~ Ann Brashares 

You will only be remembered for two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create. ~ Mike Murdock 

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15 Quotes on Problem Solving from Inspirational Leaders

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Yvonne I. Wilson in Quotes // 2 Comments

Everywhere we turn these days there are problems. It seems like we don’t have to go further than our living rooms to realize that. At the push of a button, the overwhelming, and often times glaring images and sounds are right there and it’s just hard for anyone to ignore.

The problems are getting more complicated by the minute. The strategies that were used to solve them yesterday, seems amateur when measured against the problems themselves and what it’s really going to take to get them solved today.

In the midst of it all, I would still say there is hope. And today we can be encouraged and inspired by words of wisdom from great men who no doubt have had problems and challenges of their own and who have recorded their mark in history of how to approach the problems without losing courage.

1.) “When a problem comes along, study it until you are completely knowledgeable. Then find out that weak spot, break the problem apart, and the rest will be easy.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

2.) “How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself – so always think positively.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

3.) “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them.”  ~ John C. Maxwell

4.) “A leader lives with people to know their problems. A leader lives with God in order to solve them.” ~ John C. Maxwell

5.) “In fact, it is only through the New Testament that we can learn just what Christian faith is…Open your Bible at any page you like, there is nothing about solving religious problems. Bible testifies that God exists and that He revealed Himself through Jesus Christ. It shows too that the man who lives without God is not living right.” ~ Wilhelm Busch

6.) “Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” ~ John F. Kennedy

7.) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13 New King James Version [NKJV]

8.) “The way to solve the problems in your life is to open your heart to others and to think differently. This has better result and brings more peace and happiness in your life, especially ultimate happiness that you will experience forever and that you can give to everyone who is suffering and to everyone who needs your help.” ~ Lama Zopa Rinpoche

9.) “No problem is insurmountable. With a little courage, teamwork and determination a person can overcome anything.’ ~ B. Dodge

10.) “One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” ~ Arnold Glasgow

11.) The bottom line is that if you become a master at handling problems and overcoming obstacles, what can stop you from success? The answer is nothing! And if nothing can stop you, you become unstoppable! ~ T. Hary Eker

12.) “The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities, We need men who can dream of things that never were.” ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

13.) “Through money or power you cannot solve all problems. The problem in the human heart must be solved first.” ~ Dalai Lama

14.) “We shall find the answer when we examine the problem, the problem is never apart from the answer. The problem IS the answer, understanding the problem dissolves the problem.” ~ Bruce Lee

15.)”Have you got a problem? Do what you can where you are with what you’ve got.” ~ Theodore Rooesvelt

Hopefully you have enjoyed these quotes enough to share this post with someone else so that they too can be inspired and encouraged through their own difficult circumstances today.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

Which quote inspired you the most? Do you think today’s problems are more man-made or simply, bible prophesy being fulfilled in our times? 

photo via :  The John Maxwell Company

DID YOU ENJOY THIS ARTICLE? PLEASE SHARE IT WITH YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

• Empowerment quotes
• John C. Maxwell
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• problem solving quotes

About Yvonne I. Wilson ( 793 Articles )

2 comments on 15 quotes on problem solving from inspirational leaders.

Loved these quotes 🙂

You know I love quotes and must have a few in all of my posts, and when they are inspirational ones like these, there is no way I would miss out on them. I’m bookmarking this page to refer to whenever I fall short of them. Can’t say which is the best one because they are ALL so good.

Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend 🙂

Hi Harleena I totally agree that this is a great selection of quotes. And they were all carefully chosen (even in the order of listing) to really get the message across to my readers (myself included)

The thing is, there is a solution to every problem. The answers are all right there..

Thanks as always for your support and encouragement. It means a lot. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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Motivational And Inspirational Quotes

75 Solution Quotes To Help You Deal With Problems Wisely

• March 5, 2024
• Inspirational Quotes

Looking for inspirational quotes about problem solving? We have rounded up the best collection of solution quotes, sayings, captions, status, (with images and pictures) to inspire you to focus on solving your daily life problems, be it in a relationship, business, or career.

We all face problems in our life, either big or small. Taking stress and feeling anxious will not take us anywhere but will make things worse.

There are some quick fixes or long term solutions to the obstacles we encounter in life. But having a positive mindse t and an optimistic approach is the key to solving any issue in our lives.

By staying calm and acting fearlessly we take the first step towards finding a solution. A calm mind will always give you better ideas to resolve an issue. So having a positive approach in life will help you turn your failures into triumphs.

Also See: Encouragement Quotes

Giving time to your relationships, talking out the misunderstandings, being patient and calm with people to think wisely are some of the simple ways of problem solving. Sometimes solutions are very simple, to the most complex problems, only if we are smart enough to see them.

These motivational quotes are divided in these sections:-

Problem Solving Quotes

Inspiring solution to problems quotes.

If you like these quotes about solutions to problems, then also check our collection of rainbow after the storm quotes and fixing relationship quotes to inspire you to give a chance to your troubled relation and repair broken bonds.

• “The solution is always spiritual.” – Anne Lamott
• “The problem contains the solution.” – Michael Bierut
• “There are no problems, only solutions.” – John Lennon

• “In a world full of problems, be the solution.” – Iris Watts
• “Do not blame the world. Find a solution.” – Sri Chinmoy
• “Either I will find a way, or I will make one.” – Philip Sidney
• “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” – Uri Levine
• “If the challenge exists, so must the solution.” – Rona Mlnarik

• “To every problem, there is a most simple solution.” – Agatha Christie
• “Sometimes I just stop talking, and that solves everything.” – Anonymous

• “If you do not focus on solutions, you will be just lost in problems.” – Sadhguru
• “Believe me every problem has a solution. Some just take longer to figure out.”
• “Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.” – Anonymous

• “If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.” – African Proverb
• “Great design is not just a solution, it is the elimination of the problem.” – M. Cobanli

• “Turn your obstacles into opportunities and your problems into possibilities.” – Roy T. Bennett
• “Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it.” – Travis Kalanick
• “Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop participating in the problem.” – Anonymous
• “Always look at the solution, not the problem. Learn to focus on what will give results.” – Anonymous
• “For every problem there is an answer. Empty your thoughts and allow the solution to visit you.” – Anonymous
• “There is a creative solution to every problem. Every possibility holds the promise of abundance.” – Deepak Chopra
• “The fear of being different prevents most people from seeking new ways to solve their problems.” – Robert Kiyosaki
• “Whatever happens, you getting depressed is not a solution. You getting depressed would be one more problem.” – Sadhguru
• “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” – Tina Fey

• “What you focus on expands. Focusing on problems creates more problems. Focusing on outcomes creates solutions.” – David Emerald
• “The solution to any problem – work, love, money, whatever – is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be.” – Anonymous
• “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” – Colin Powell
• “A person who sees a problem is a human being; a person who finds a solution is visionary; the person who goes out and does something about it is an entrepreneur.”
• “Bottom line, I removed myself from the victim mentality and took control of my life. I’m not just going to take responsibility for the success in my life – I’m going to take responsibility for the failures in my life. When you’re willing to accept that you’re the problem, you immediately become the solution.” – Eric Thomas

Knowing the problem, is half the solution. When you realize that there is a problem, be positive and have control on yourself in the situation.

Have faith that you will be able to tackle the problem. Don’t run away from your problems but learn to live with them. Try to find a solution to it and if you can’t solve it by yourself then take someone’s help.

Also See: Positive Attitude Quotes

When you come across a problem ask yourself these questions. What is the situation? How would I like the situation to be? What obstacles are keeping me away from the desired situation? By answering these questions you will learn what best you can do, to turn around the situation in your favor.

• “I am my problem but also my solution.”
• “Music is the best solution to any problem.”
• “The solutions you seek are within you.” – ATGW
• “ Compassion is so often the solution.” – Anonymous
• “Beer is the cause and solution to all of life’s problems.”
• “Lies are a temporary solution to a permanent problem.”

• “Focus on finding solutions to problems, not reasons to quit.”
• “Your success is determined by your ability to find solutions.”
• “You need to fail in order to find the right solution.” – Kevin Systrom
• “Stop talking about your problems and start thinking about solutions.”
• “To the wise, life is a problem; to the fool, a solution.” – Marcus Aurelius
• “I truly believe there’s always a solution to every problem.” – Maira Kalman
• “It is a courage which can find the solution to every problem.” – Amit Kalantri
• “There is always a solution to every challenging situation.” – Lailah Gifty Akita

• “The solution often turns out more beautiful than the puzzle.” – Richard Dawkins
• “The problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer.” – Terence McKenna
• “If your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail.” – Abraham Maslow
• “The great solution to all human problems is individual transformation.” – Vernon Howard
• “There are only two ways to solve a problem: stop dwelling, and start doing.” – Emily Uraih
• “Sometimes, the best way of solving a problem is by letting it unsolved.” – Joe Mari Fadrigalan
• “There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.” – Betty Williams
• “Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to first let go of the idea that there is a problem.”
• “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” – Theodore Roosevelt
• “Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” – Roger Lewin
• “Every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective.” – Katherine Russell
• “You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability.” – Michael J. Gelb
• “God does not create a lock without its key. God doesn’t give you problems without solutions. Trust Him.”
• “Anyone who cannot solve a problem in this world is not worthy of living in this world.” – Olawale Daniel
• “Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems.” – Rene Descartes
• “Creativity is the answer. I always prefer the creative solution to an expensive solution.” – Keenen Ivory Wayans
• “It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too much about the problem.” – Malcolm Forbes
• “The important thing about a problem is not the solution, but the strength we gain in finding a solution.” – Seneca
• “If you spend all your energy on your immediate reaction, you won’t have enough energy left for your long term solution.” – Doe Zantamata
• “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” – Albert Einstein
• “If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.” – Dalai Lama XIV
• “Every startup should address a real and demonstrated need in the world – if you build a solution to a problem lost of people have, it’s so easy to sell your product to the world.” – Kevin Systrom
• “When you have a ‘solution thinking mindset’ – and choose to focus 80% of your thoughts/words on solutions – you will not only be heading more speedily to long-term success, but you will immediately feel better in the moment.” – Karen Salmansohn

Sometimes our reaction to the problem makes it more difficult for us. So we should stay calm when we are in a mess and be optimistic about the situation.

Never let your problems take over your mind or heart. Take it easy and try to find a remedy and if you can’t then let it go. What’s the point of stressing over it, so it’s better to go with the flow. Maybe life has better things to offer you in future.

Also See: Quotes About Life Struggles

Panicking in the situation clouds our mind and drifts us apart from the solution. These quotes will give you ideas about how to solve the troubles that you are going through in life.

If you like these solution quotes, also check our quotes on quotes about relationship struggles and struggling marriage quotes will inspire you and remind you that love is not always easy, but its surely worth it.

Which of these solution sayings resonated with you best? Do you have any other inspirational quotes to add? Tell us in the comment section below.

Feel free to share with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tumblr, Pinterest, and more to spread some good vibes.

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45 Quotes About Problem Solving

As it is popularly known, problems are inevitable! Whether it is in school, at home, or in an organization, you are likely to come across different types and levels of problems. With every problem comes many different solutions. Arriving at solutions to problems not only helps with creative thinking but also improves decision-making skills. It is a great idea to surround students as well as adults with positive ideas and stories of leaders who used problem-solving skills in their endeavors.

A problem-solving mindset empowers critical thinking in individuals. Hence, it is significant to equip yourself with the skills required for problem-solving that can be used in everyday life. 

Similarly, problem-solving quotes also help individuals focus on a creative process of analyzing problems and arriving at solutions. Quotes and sayings from famous personalities act as positive reinforcement in tough situations. This article helps you explore some of the best quotes focusing on a growth mindset with the personal experiences of leaders and intellectuals across the globe.

Inspiring problem-solving quotes

Quotes act as a hassle-free way to convey powerful messages with the usage of accurate words. The below-mentioned problem-solving quotes highlight the contributions made by thoughtful leaders. It is your turn to dive into them and use them in the most suitable manner.

1. A problem well stated is a problem half solved. – John Dewey

2. i’m not afraid of problem-solving. there is always a way. –  hanneli mustaparta, 3. if your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail. – abraham maslow  , 4. there are only two ways to solve a problem: stop dwelling, and start doing. – emily uraih, 5. too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. – roger lewin, 6. we can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. – albert einstein, 7. a problem is a chance for you to do your best. – duke ellington, 8. if i had an hour to solve a problem i’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions. – albert einstein, 9. the problem is not the problem. the problem is your attitude about the problem – captain jack sparrow, 10. the best way to find a solution to a problem is to first understand it. – stephen covey, 11. the problem is not that there are problems. the problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. – theodore rubin, 12. there’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. – betty williams, 13. if there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. if there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. – dalai lama xiv, 14. believe it is possible to solve your problem. tremendous things happen to the believer. so believe the answer will come. it will. – norman vincent peale, 15. problems are only opportunities in work clothes. – henri kaiser, 16. the problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer. – terence mckenna, 17. the important thing about a problem is not the solution, but the strength we gain in finding a solution. – seneca, 18. until we have real conflict, we don’t fully understand the problem. – alfred sloan, 19. every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective. – katherine russell, 20. you can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability. – michael j. gelb, 21. life isn’t about living without problems. life is about solving problems. – tom krause, 22. children have such vibrant minds. they need to play. they need to imagine. and it helps them learn problem-solving. – jan brett, 23. i can’t solve problems by hitting them with my fist. – albert einstein, 24. the only limit to our solution is the size of our problem. – maxwell maltz, 25. never try to solve all the problems at once – make them line up for you one-by-one. – richard sloma, 26. most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them. – henry ford, 27. no problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. – voltaire, 28. never bring the problem-solving stage into the decision-making stage. otherwise, you surrender yourself to the problem rather than the solution. – robert h. schuller, 29. problems do not go away. they must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. – m. scott peak , 30. intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them. – albert einstein , 31. each problem that i solved became a rule, which served afterward to solve other problems. – rene descartes, 32. problems are only opportunities with thorns on them. – hugh miller, 33. it’s not a problem that we have a problem. it’s a problem if we don’t deal with the problem. – mary kay utech, 34. all problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them. – william f. halsey, 35. there’s no such thing as running away from the problem. they’re very patient and will wait a lifetime for you. – darnell lamont walker, 36. a problem is only a problem when viewed as a problem. – robin sharma, 37. the only way to solve a problem is to confront it head-on. – unknown, 38. the measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. – john foster dulles, 39. when solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves. – anthony j. d’angelo, 40. a problem is only as big as your determination to solve it. – unknown, 41. problem-solving is a muscle that gets stronger with practice. – jay shetty, 42. i am thankful for a problem because without them, i’d be stagnant in my growth. – charles f. glassman, 43. good problem solvers are not born; they are made through practice, perseverance, and a positive mindset. – unknown, 44. if you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying if you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying – shantideva, 45. the best way to escape from a problem is to solve it. – alan saporta, scenarios that can help you practice problem-solving skills.

Do you think we face problems in everyday life? Here, it is important to know that problems are not always huge in nature. Sometimes, solving a minor issue also helps build a problem-solving mindset. In everyday life, students, as well as adults, come across multiple such scenarios where this skill helps them arrive at the solution quicker. Let’s explore some ways where you can practice the skill and develop a growth mindset. 

1. Traveling

When traveling to school or office, you might be stuck in traffic. At times, it becomes impossible to get away from the chaos and reach on time. However, you can use your skills here to solve this problem. It is always a good idea to put skills into thinking and look for alternative travel methods. For example, you might either plan to leave early or change the mode of transportation to avoid congestion. 

2. Studying 

Students and learners might face many difficulties with managing studies with time. Along with time management skills, you can practice your problem-solving skills while studying. It is best to identify the issue, look for alternative solutions, choose the solution and evaluate the results. Enhancing the skill becomes an easy job when problems are creatively identified and resolved. Also, indulging in problem-based learning can help students exercise their problem-solving skills.

3. Everyday Chores

Whether it is getting groceries from the supermarket or fixing the running tap, creativity is the key to most problems. What do you do when the geyser stops working and you need hot water? It is simple to use the stove and heat water in a pan. Now, such solutions come in handy when problem-solving skills are applied at the right time during the right situation. 

4. Meal Planning 

Meal planning is indeed a task as everyone in the family wants to have something different. However, problem-solving skills can also be applied in this area with creative thinking. Once you put thought into meal making, you can solve the problem by analyzing the availability of vegetables and the common liking of family members. With a simplified way of solving the problem of meal planning, you can easily empower this skill. 

5. Managing Tasks

Planning everyday tasks and doing them all correctly is not an easy job. You get an amazing opportunity to practice problem-solving skills by considering the issues you face in everyday tasks. For example, if there is no time left for playing, students can better plan their studies right after school hours. Similarly, adults might feel helpless when they cannot plan a vacation due to work. In such a case, the problem can be resolved by analyzing leaves and matching it with a budget-friendly getaway. Along with this, you can employ tools and resources to improve your executive functioning skills which directly impacts your problem-solving abilities. 

Wrapping up..

In conclusion, quotes on positive thinking can be used in the classroom, at home, or in offices to create a sense of motivation in individuals. Right from everyday chores to tedious tasks, individuals get an opportunity to develop a problem-solving mindset with these quotes. Visual display of quotes also acts as an aesthetic way of decorating minds with thoughtful insights. Ultimately, the usage of quotes reinforces the brain to think creatively, break tasks and arrive at easy solutions.

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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No, Kamala Harris Didn't Say 'the Problem of Solving a Problem Is Not a Problem'

The purported quote continued, "but when a problem solves a problem without any problem, then the problem is not at all a problem.", jordan liles, published july 24, 2024.

About this rating

According to memes and social media posts, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is rumored to have once opined about dealing with problems, problems and more problems. The purported quote reads, "The problem of solving a problem is not a problem, but when a problem solves a problem without any problem, then the problem is not at all a problem."

For example, a reverse-image search found numerous postings of the quote in meme and text form from 2023 and 2024 on America's Best Pics and Videos , Facebook , iFunny , Imgflip and X . Some users also shared the quote after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and endorsed Harris.

In a more prominent example, two-time, Oscar-nominated actor James Woods posted one of the most engaged-with shares of the quote meme with Harris' name. Woods captioned his June 15, 2024, post ( archived ) with the words "DEI VP" — a reference to some right-wing disagreements with efforts toward promoting initiatives regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.

However, we uncovered no video, audio or other type of documentary evidence suggesting Harris ever spoke or wrote the words in the quote.

In our research of the quote, we examined a Reddit thread on the r/Conservative subreddit featuring a meme of Harris with the quote. One user replying to the Jan. 20, 2024, thread commented , "The fact that I can't tell if this is something she actually said because it sounds like something she would say is funny."

However, all that user – or any user in the thread – needed to do to research the quote was quickly and simply search online.

For example, we performed a Google search for the first few words of the quote: "the problem of solving a problem is not." Surrounding the words with quotation marks instructed Google to only display results for an exact match of our search.

As of July 2024, Google only displayed 14 links on two pages of search results. None of the results brought forth any information suggesting video, audio or other evidence existed of Harris saying or writing the quote.

If the quote truly originated from Harris, political websites — primarily right-wing blogs — would likely have widely covered the quote. However, we located no such coverage.

We will update this report if further details come to light.

Evon, Dan. "Snopes Tips: A Guide To Performing Reverse Image Searches." Snopes , 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.snopes.com//articles/400681/how-to-perform-reverse-image-searches/.

Google . https://www.google.com/.

"James Woods." IMDb.com , https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000249/awards/.

Snopes Staff. "Biden Dropped Out of Presidential Race, Endorsed Kamala Harris?" Snopes , 21 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/biden-resigns-election/.

By Jordan Liles

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

Article Tags

'When it comes to luck, you make your own.' 50 motivational quotes for peak inspiration

50 positive life quotes to inspire, and lift your spirit each day

It is often said, "The pen is mightier than the sword." And it's true – words can hold a lot of power . They can uplift and inspire others to tackle the challenges and hardships in their lives, they can break a person slowly over time or deliver instant heartache with a simple sentence.

But, for now, we want to talk about the good words. When you're feeling down or lacking motivation, you might turn to certain quotes for inspiration. Whether they come from your favorite author or actor, these messages may remind you to keep pushing forward and continue trying in whatever you do.

If you're looking for more, here is a compiled list of motivational quotes from throughout the decades:

50 motivational quotes

• "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." — E.E. Cummings
• "Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on someone telling you who you are." — Beyoncé
• "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible!'" —  Audrey Hepburn
•  "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." —  Walt Whitman
• “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go." — Dr. Seuss
• "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." — Winston Churchill
• "To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try." — Rosa Parks
• "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." — Walt Disney
• "Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." — Madam C.J. Walker
• "Champions keep playing until they get it right." — Billie Jean King
• "I am lucky that whatever fear I have inside me, my desire to win is always stronger." — Serena Williams
• "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." —  C.S. Lewis
• "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." —  Aristotle
• "Believe you can and you're halfway there." — Theodore Roosevelt
• "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage." — Anaïs Nin
• "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." —  Ella Fitzgerald
• "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." —  Maya Angelou
• "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." — Dolly Parton
• "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• "All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them." — Viola Davis
• "It is never too late to be what you might have been." — George Eliot
• "When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected." — Laverne Cox
• "Give light and people will find the way." — Ella Baker
• "It always seems impossible until it's done." — Nelson Mandela
• "Don’t count the days, make the days count." — Muhammad Ali
• "If you risk nothing, then you risk everything." — Geena Davis
• "Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined." —  Toni Morrison
• "When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." — Carol Burnett
• "Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes." — Eleanor Roosevelt
• "When it comes to luck, you make your own." —  Bruce Springsteen
• "If you're having fun, that's when the best memories are built." — Simone Biles
• "Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." — Truman Capote
• "Hard things will happen to us. We will recover. We will learn from it. We will grow more resilient because of it." — Taylor Swift
• "Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own." — Michelle Obama
• "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist." — Oscar Wilde
• "You define beauty yourself, society doesn’t define your beauty." — Lady Gaga
• "Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you." — Mary Lou Retton
• "You just gotta keep going and fighting for everything, and one day you’ll get to where you want." — Naomi Osaka
• "If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself." — Gabrielle Union
• "No matter how far away from yourself you may have strayed, there is always a path back. You already know who you are and how to fulfill your destiny." — Oprah Winfrey
• "A problem is a chance for you to do your best." — Duke Ellington
• "You can’t turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again." — Bonnie Prudden
• "When you can’t find someone to follow, you have to find a way to lead by example." — Roxane Gay
• "There is no better compass than compassion." — Amanda Gorman
• "Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind – even if your voice shakes." — Maggie Kuhn
• "It’s a toxic desire to try to be perfect. I realized later in life that the challenge is not to be perfect. It’s to be whole." — Jane Fonda
• "Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist but in the ability to start over." — F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." — Alice Walker
• "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line." — Lucille Ball
• "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It goes on." — Robert Frost

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USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From " What are angel numbers? " to " What is manifestation? " to " How to make a vision board? " – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our  Just Curious section  to see what else we can answer for you.

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The Kamala Harris coconut tree meme, explained as best we can

Lexie Schapitl

Rachel Treisman

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on July 10 in Dallas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption

For more on Biden's decision and the now open 2024 race, head to the NPR Network's live updates page .

In the weeks before President Biden announced he would not be seeking reelection , some Democrats online rallied behind Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s new nominee. And their symbol became the coconut tree.

Not long after Biden announced on Sunday he was dropping out of the race, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted out just three emojis : a coconut, a palm tree and an American flag. EMILYs LIST, the PAC focused on electing Democratic women, explicitly endorsed Harris in a tweet and, in a more subtle show of support, also added the tree and the coconut to its username. And Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii posted a picture of himself climbing up a coconut tree , adding, "Madam Vice President, we are ready to help."

🥥 🌴 🇺🇸 — Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) July 21, 2024

So how did the coconut tree emerge as the emblem of Harris' most devoted, or at least most-online followers? It's a story more than a year in the making.

Why are we even talking about coconut trees?

The “coconut tree” meme originates from a May 2023 speech Harris gave at a White House event for advancing opportunities for Hispanic Americans.

At one point near the end of her remarks, Harris talked about how the initiative's work would be focused on young people, but it should also take into account the needs of their families, teachers and communities, "because none of us just live in a silo."

We’re proud to endorse @kamalaharris as the next president of the United States because we know she is a qualified accomplished leader. She is the only candidate positioned to win against Trump in November, and the best voice to define the stakes in this election! #allinforkamala pic.twitter.com/CmdgImMaDz — EMILYs List 🥥🌴 (@emilyslist) July 21, 2024

"Everything is in context," Harris said, before launching into the now-famous anecdote.

"My mother ... would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, 'I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?' " Harris said with a laugh. "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you."

The moment was first meme’d in earnest in February of this year, when for a period of time, one could not open X, formerly known as Twitter, without seeing clips of or oblique references to those remarks.

this video is literally like medicine to me. i watch it once every week or two and every time i do i get an enduring hit of light euphoria for the next 45 minutes pic.twitter.com/eIF6Rwiir0 — charlie squire (@evil_female) February 9, 2024

But the meme took on new life this summer , after President Biden’s disastrous debate performance fueled speculation that he might step aside as the Democratic nominee. Harris’ supporters, also known as the KHive, were waiting in the wings.

Since then, the moment has been remixed into Charli XCX’s “ Von Dutch ” and Britney Spears’ " Gimme More ." Democratic operatives have spoken of being “ coconut-pilled .” The meme flourished into 2028 debate fan fiction . Google searches for "coconut tree" started climbing in the U.S. in early July.

Like all of us, the coconut tree moment exists in the context of all in which it lives and what came before it. Which is to say, it’s part of a larger set of memes surrounding Kamala Harris’ political persona. Harris has been spawning memes longer than she’s been vice president. We Did It, Joe , is likely the most well-known. But her laugh , her bus , her dance moves and her love of Venn diagrams have all become social media fodder.

We did it, @JoeBiden . pic.twitter.com/oCgeylsjB4 — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 7, 2020

So why did the coconut tree break through?

It's impossible to say why any particular meme — political or otherwise — catches fire over another. But part of Harris’ persona as portrayed on the internet is just that she   brings an energy that’s in stark contrast to President Biden and former President Donald Trump.

“We want something to laugh at and laugh with. And that's what Kamala does. And I think the coconut tree clip is a perfect example of that,” said Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at Vox covering internet culture. 

Put another way, Harris — even being 59 and the incumbent vice president —represented something new in a campaign defined by old. And that stoked some enthusiasm among voters who were very unenthused.

“There's a sense of, like, nihilism that's like – OK, we have to do this again , and we have to do Trump and Biden again ,” Jennings said. “And so when you see clips of Kamala, it's like, well, at least that's fun to watch. At least it's, you know, not the same thing we've been seeing on screens for 10 years. It's a break in the just the drudgery of what what everyone thought this election was going to be.”

Young Democrats — among the most dissatisfied with Biden as a candidate, and the most online — also helped fuel the movement. As Washington Post internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz wrote : "Harris’s new online prominence could help give the Democratic Party new prominence with young people — including major content creators — who are hesitant to vote for Biden again due to his climate policies, support of Israel’s war in Gaza, mishandling of the ongoing pandemic, and signing a bill that could ban TikTok."

One man's gaffe is another man's meme

From the coconut trees to the Venn diagrams, the Harris memes embrace what detractors might consider a gaffe. Trump, for instance, has dubbed Harris " laughing Kamala ," saying the laugh makes her seem "crazy."

Take another example, which grew out of one of Harris' go-to lines dating back to her 2020 presidential run: “I can imagine what can be, unburdened by what has been.”

The RNC compiled a supercut of Harris being "unburdened" and shared it on social media, arguing that it shows she is “unoriginal, annoying, and highly incompetent.” But the attacks aren’t sticking, as her supporters have taken ownership of the line and the laughter.

Jennings said it’s reminiscent of the critiques hurled at Trump throughout his political career, only to be welcomed by his base.

“People like the fact that he was saying offensive things,” Jennings said. "And I think it's strange for Republicans to kind of now be on the other end of that – which is making all these, you know, memes and videos of Kamala being goofy and quirky and the left being like, “Hell, yeah, brother.”

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The facts about Kamala Harris' role on immigration in the Biden administration

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Updated on: July 23, 2024 / 11:48 AM EDT / CBS News

Following President Biden's decision to abandon his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for president, Harris' role on immigration has come under scrutiny.

Soon after Mr. Biden's announcement, Republicans sought to blame Harris for the Biden administration's woes at the U.S.-Mexico border, where American officials have reported record levels of illegal crossings in the past three years. In a phone conversation with CBS News on Saturday, former President Donald Trump said Harris presided over the "worst border ever" as "border czar," a title her Republican detractors often give her.

Harris is all but certain to face even more criticism over the Biden administration's record on immigration, one of American voters' top concerns ahead of the election. And Harris does have an immigration-related role in the Biden White House, but her responsibilities on the issue are often mischaracterized. 

What exactly is Harris' immigration role?

In March 2021, when the Biden administration faced the early stages of an influx in illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border, Mr. Biden tasked Harris with leading the administration's diplomatic campaign to address the "root causes" of migration from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, including poverty, corruption and violence.

The region, known as Central America's Northern Triangle, has been one of the main sources of migration to the U.S.-Mexico border over the past decade. 

Harris was not asked to be the administration's "border czar" or to oversee immigration policy and enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. That has mainly been the responsibility of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and his department, which oversees the country's main three immigration agencies, including Customs and Border Protection.

In reality, the only role close to that of a "border czar" under the Biden administration was held for only a few months by Roberta Jacobson, a longtime diplomat who served as coordinator for the Southwest border until April 2021.

In her immigration role, Harris' main line of work has focused on convincing companies to invest in Central America and promoting democracy and development there through diplomacy. In March of this year, the White House announced Harris had secured a commitment from the private sector to invest over $5 billion to promote economic opportunities and reduce violence in the region.

Efforts to reduce migration by improving conditions in migrants' home countries have always been viewed as a long-term strategy by U.S. officials. In its "root causes"  framework , the Biden administration conceded the "systemic change" it envisions for Central America "will take time to achieve."

Questions about her work on immigration

There are some legitimate questions about Harris' work on immigration.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most non-Mexican migration to the U.S. southern border originated from the Northern Triangle. In 2021, it made sense for the administration to focus on the root cases of migration in those countries. But migration flows have changed dramatically in recent years. Record numbers of migrants have been coming from places outside of Central America, including from countries like Cuba, Colombia, China, Ecuador and Venezuela.

In fiscal year 2023, for example, Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador made up 22% of all crossings during that time period, down from 41% in fiscal year 2021, government statistics show. On the flip side, however, the administration could point to the fact that illegal crossings along the U.S. southern border by migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have decreased significantly every year since 2021.

While most of her critics have been Republicans, Harris' work on immigration has also garnered some criticism from the left. During a visit to Guatemala in June 2021, Harris told those intending to migrate, "Do not come," a statement that drew ire from some progressives and advocates for migrants.

As the second-highest ranking member of the Biden administration, Harris will also likely face questions over the all-time levels of unlawful border crossings reported in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Those crossings, however, have plunged this year, reaching a three-year low in June , after Mr. Biden issued an executive order banning most migrants from asylum.

Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics.

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Biden asked Harris to tackle the 'root causes' of migration. Here's what happened after that.

President Joe Biden tapped Kamala Harris to tackle the daunting issue of immigration in March 2021, but the vice president’s public-facing work on addressing the root causes of migration largely evaporated within months, according to an NBC News analysis of public documents, U.S. aid disbursements and Harris’ travel schedule.

Harris traveled to Mexico in June 2021 to sign an agreement that has led to a commitment of $4 billion in direct assistance and over $5.2 billion in private-public investment from the U.S. But she has not visited the southern border, or the countries to its south, since January 2022. And despite requests from Mexico for more investment, her “Root Causes Strategy” made no new financial commitments.

When Harris became Biden’s “ border czar ,” as critics called her, the administration was under pressure from both sides to address the rising number of migrants — particularly unaccompanied children — crossing the border and landing in poor conditions in U.S. custody. On March 24, 2021, Biden took the stage at the White House and seemed to hand the keys on the issue over to his vice president.

“The vice president has agreed — among the multiple other things that I have her leading, and I appreciate it — agreed to lead our diplomatic effort to work with those nations to accept returnees and enhance migration enforcement at their borders,” Biden said.

In accepting the task, Harris made her role more specific, describing largely diplomatic responsibilities. “I look forward to engaging in diplomacy with government, with the private sector, with civil society and the leaders of each in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to strengthen democracy and the rule of law and ensure shared prosperity in the region. We will collaborate with Mexico and other countries throughout the Western Hemisphere.”

Biden administration officials have pointed to those remarks in rejecting criticism that Harris did not solve the crisis at the border, where there have been record crossings under Biden. They say her job was to focus on working with countries in the region to address root causes, and they reject the mocking title “border czar.” 

The Border Patrol union says Harris did not deliver on any of her immigration-related assignments. 

When Harris’ name is mentioned at the border, “it’s a lot of eye rolls,” said Jon Anfinsen, national executive vice president of the National Border Patrol Council, the Border Patrol union. 

“I would ask what has she done in terms of solving the root causes. This has been a goal of hers for this many years. What’s changed? I would argue it’s not improved; it has only gotten worse,” Anfinsen said. “Shortly around that period of time, it kind of just went away, and you didn’t hear it.”

But Daniel Suvor, who was chief of policy for Harris from 2014 to 2017 while she was California's attorney general, said he was unsurprised she was tapped to address root causes of migration in Central America.

“She’s been interested in Central America for some time, and she has built up a wide range of relationships down there,” Suvor said.

Suvor said Harris' connections in Latin America stemmed from her work as attorney general to combat drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations and her trips to Mexico City to meet with foreign officials.

“She understood all the way back then that we needed to work with the Mexican government, El Salvador, Honduran, Guatemalan government, to take on the cartels.”

'Don't come'

An NBC News review found that her travel to address root issues in the region was largely limited to June 2021, with one trip to the border in El Paso, Texas, and another to Mexico and Guatemala. She made one additional trip to Honduras in January 2022. 

Her work in Guatemala may have been most memorable. It was where she faced criticism from immigration groups for telling migrants “don’t come” to the U.S. 

But her work in Mexico was arguably the most significant. It was there that Mexico and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding to “strengthen development cooperation in northern Central America ... to exchange knowledge, experiences, assets, and resources to address the root causes of irregular migration in northern Central America,” according to a description of the agreement by the State Department.

The agreement sent funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development, coupled with those from the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation, to help people in Central America. Since then, the U.S. has stayed on track to meet its commitment of $4 billion to address root causes, but Harris has also been able to solicit significant help from private companies, which have invested $5.2 billion in the region since 2021.

Those investments have funded entrepreneurs, ensured labor rights, strengthened food security and launched “19 projects in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras across sectors, including financial inclusion, healthcare, climate finance, and affordable housing,” according to the White House.

Since 2021, however, the Root Causes Strategy has made no new commitments, despite Mexican pleas for more direct investment from the U.S., not just from U.S. companies.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said in May 2022 that the private investment strategy is too slow.

“ We are convincing the government of the United States to invest with readiness,” he said at a news conference. “They have a very special system — they think that it’s enough to promote private investments. That if plants, factories are installed in Central America, then employment will be generated. … That is good, but that takes time.”

Harris made one more trip to Central America after 2021, to attend the inauguration of Honduran President Xiomara Castro in January 2022. According to the White House, Harris talked to her about “combating corruption and gender-based violence as a way to address the root causes of migration.”

Since then, she has held two meetings in Washington, one with López Obrador in July 2022 and the other most recently with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo in March.

A White House official defended Harris’ record and said her work is ongoing. “Vice President Harris continues to lead the effort to address the root causes of migration from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, including by generating more than $5.2 billion in investments into the region to give people economic opportunity at home. These investments are creating jobs and have connected more than 4.5 million people to the internet and brought more than 2.5 million people into the formal financial system.”

“Under the Vice President’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to implement the Root Causes Strategy. As a part of this strategy, the Administration is on track to meet its commitment to provide $4 billion to the region over four years and continues to work to combat corruption, reduce violence, and empower women,” the White House official wrote.

Think tanks that study immigration and international non-governmental organizations have also questioned the impact of Harris’ work in addressing immigration.

“She had a very narrow mandate, which was to be the diplomatic representative in Central America at the time when most unauthorized immigration was coming from Central America,” said Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington.

Since 2021, immigration from the Central American countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, once the leaders in illegal immigration across the southwest border, has fallen from 86,089 in March 2021 to 25,015 in June 2024, according to Customs and Border Protection data. 

But immigration experts point out that the decline is most likely driven by other factors, including U.S. policies restricting asylum at the border and an increase in Mexican interdictions of U.S.-bound migrants. And during that time, migration from countries like Venezuela and China — where Harris has no involvement in immigration discussions — has mounted.

Selee said USAID took over the money the U.S. sent to Central America for development while Harris stayed focused on the private-sector investment.

“Vice President Harris was very involved diplomatically early on with Central American governments, clearing the way to get these two initiatives underway and talking about how to stem unauthorized migration,” Selee said. “But, as near as I can tell, she just hasn’t stayed as engaged diplomatically on this. And, you know, over time, the State Department and the National Security Council really took over the diplomatic side.”

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, noted Harris’ role launching an anti-corruption task force with the Justice Department focused on Northern Triangle countries.

“I do think she [Harris] has played a leadership role in addressing the root causes,” Vignarajah said.

“Do we believe this solves the problem? No. Of course not. And this is where Congress needs to be a real player,” she said.

Didi Martinez is an associate producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit. 

Julia Ainsley is the homeland security correspondent for NBC News and covers the Department of Homeland Security for the NBC News Investigative Unit.