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If a problem cannot be solved, enlarge it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Interpretation

What this quote means

When facing a problem that seems unsolvable, consider looking at it from a broader perspective to discover new solutions.

This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower suggests that when a problem appears to be insurmountable, instead of dwelling on its complexities, one should consider expanding the context or parameters of the problem. By enlarging the problem, you create new opportunities for solutions that may not have been visible within the original constraints, thus encouraging creative thinking and a broader perspective on challenges.

Themes

Problem SolvingPerspectiveSolutionsCreativityThinking

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, one might quote this to encourage thinking outside the box when discussing a difficult project.

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If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
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You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
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Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
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I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
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Quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower | QuoteProject