“We only think when confronted with a problem.”

Last update Feb. 5, 2026. History

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John Dewey62

American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer 1859–1952

Jamie Zawinski (1968) American programmer

alt.religion.emacs http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=33F0C496.370D7C45%40netscape.com (lost; recovered http://regex.info/blog/2006-09-15/247) <br class="br">Attributed

“When we had no computers, we had no programming problem either. When we had a few computers, we had a mild programming problem. Confronted with machines a million times as powerful, we are faced with a gigantic programming problem.”

Edsger W. Dijkstra (1930–2002) Dutch computer scientist

Dijkstra (1986) Visuals for BP's Venture Research Conference http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/EWD/transcriptions/EWD09xx/EWD963.html (EWD 963). <br class="br">1980s

“When you confront a problem, you begin to solve it.”

Rudy Giuliani (1944–2001) American businessperson and politician, former mayor of New York City

As quoted in RFID Journal, February 28, 2005. http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/1421/1/2/

“As good, naive Americans, we think that if only we can show the world the seriousness of the threat Saddam poses, then they will embrace our response. In our good, innocent way, we assume that in persuading our allies we are confronted with a problem of understanding. But suppose we are confronted with a problem of courage? Perhaps the French and the Germans are simply not brave enough to confront Saddam. Or suppose we are confronted with a problem of character? Perhaps the French and the Germans understand the risk Saddam poses to the world order. Perhaps they know that they are in danger as much as anybody. They simply would rather see American men and women--rather than French and German men and women--dying to preserve their safety. Far better, from this cynical perspective, to signal that you will not take on the terrorists--so as to earn their good will amidst the uncertain times ahead.”

David Brooks (1961) American journalist, commentator and editor

[David, Brooks, http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/002/215jfyfl.asp, French Kiss Off, Weekly Standard, February 6, 2003, May 24, 2011]
2000s

“If they only showed this much spunk when it came to containing the terrorists I don't think we would have such a problem.”

Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007) 11th Prime Minister of Pakistan

On being prevented from participating in a march for democracy and being placed under house arrest. TIME video interview (13 November 2007) http://www.time.com/time/video/?bcpid=1214055407&bclid=1232409122&bctid=1305011684.