“The effort to get rid of what we do not want is reactive, retrospectively oriented problem solving. The effort to obtain what we want is proactive, prospectively oriented problem solving.”
Cited in: Chris Griffiths, Melina Costi (2011) GRASP: The Solution. p. 64.
1970s, The Art of Problem Solving, 1978
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Russell L. Ackoff 70
Scientist 1919–2009Related quotes

“Want a Coke?” Abra asked. “Sugar solves lots of problems, that’s what I think.”
Source: Doctor Sleep
Blue Like Jazz (2003, Nelson Books)

Source: Object-Oriented Software Engineering: A Use Case Driven Approach (1992), p. 185: cited in: " Object Oriented Software Engineering: A Use Case Driven Approach Ivar Jacobson, et al. (1992) http://tedfelix.com/software/jacobson1992.html", Book review by Ted Felix on tedfelix.com, 2006.

“Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not by solving problems.”

As cited in: Problem Solving & Goal Setting blog, 24 October 2010.
1970s, The Art of Problem Solving, 1978
"Of Pharaohs and Firearms" http://www.jpfo.org/smith/smith-pharaohs.htm.