One of the greatest quotes that is attributed to Albert Einstein is “problems cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that created them.”
While this statement was made in consideration of solving mathematical and scientific problems, I think that the real wisdom here goes far beyond science.
Perhaps what Mr. Einstein was really trying to get at was that we need to recognize the times that we need to stop trying to find the answer and instead step back and rethink the entire question.
We spend an awful lot of time fighting over the answers to questions, but when was the last time our social or political discourse actually talked about the questions themselves?
How about yourself individually? Do you think about the “why” behind the things you do, or are you just concerned with what you think that you need to get done? Are you avoiding the really big question that needs to be asked?
When we spend all of our time and energy on finding answers and taking care of details, sometimes we forget the big picture that we’re trying to accomplish.
This has never been more evident to me than in the way we discuss politics in America.
Every political battle is marked with intense partisan debate by differing opinions. Why do you think it is that we are so divided as a country on issues such as health care, taxes, governmental debt, gay marriage, jobs, and so many others?
What if we took Albert Einstein’s quote to heart and tried using a higher level of thinking to have a national discussion on the real question…Who should have the power in America? The individual or the government?
Or the really big question that we seem to be avoiding…do we even WANT to be free anymore?
Watch my site tomorrow for more on this, when I post an essay that I have written on freedom, as we celebrate our country’s independence.
How about on a more personal level? Are you trying to lose weight or get healthier, but aren’t seeing results? Why are you wanting this in the first place? What does life look like if you can make changes? What if you don’t?
Are you spending 40, 50, even 60 hours per week at a job? Why do you work there? Are you happy? Are you fulfilling your life’s purpose by investing this time, or is the paycheck you earn allowing you to do so? At the end of your life, will this effort have been worth it?
That goal you’ve been working so hard to reach…the promotion you’re trying to earn, the new possession you want to buy, the trip you want to take…why do you want it so badly? Is it because it will make you happy, or is it something you are feeling pressured to accomplish?
If you find yourself struggling, striving, arguing, and fighting, yet standing still or moving backward, consider Albert Einstein. Think at a higher level. Ask the hard questions.
Most of all, make sure that all of your work has a purpose. That you’re getting somewhere that you actually want to go as a result of your efforts. If you don’t know why you’re working so hard, it might be time to slow down and rethink the question.
Have a joyful day!
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