Method is King - Classics of an Excellent Life Anthology

Author: Chen Dong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: There are many similar examples. In the 1950s, scientists around the world were researching the raw materials for manufacturing transistors—germanium. Everyone believed the biggest problem was how to purify germanium more effectively. Dr. Akira Ohmori of Sony and his assistant, Yuriko Kuroda, explored this issue, but inevitably some impurities would mix in, and each measurement showed different data. Later, they reflected: the purpose of studying this issue was simply to enable germanium to produce better transistors. Why must the problem be confined to how to purify germanium more effectively? So, they abandoned the original premise and took a new approach—intentionally adding impurities bit by bit to see what kind of germanium crystals they could produce. The result was that when the purity of germanium was reduced to half of its original level, an ideal crystal was produced. This invention caused a sensation worldwide, and Dr. Ohmori and Yuriko Kuroda were respectively awarded the Nobel Prize and the Alternative Nobel Prize. When facing a problem, people often feel the urge to immediately find a good solution. This mindset is understandable, but if one cannot clearly define the problem they are truly facing or what they will gain by solving it, it is undoubtedly hasty. The initial mistake made by Dr. Ohmori and his assistant, Yuriko Kuroda, was defining the root of the problem incorrectly. What they wanted to solve was how to produce better transistors, but since everyone at the time believed the biggest problem was how to purify germanium more effectively, many people shifted the purpose of solving the problem. Fortunately, they eventually realized their mistake, removed the original limiting premise, and thus achieved their subsequent creativity and success. To aim at the target, one must have a purpose to produce effective methods. All research and problem-solving begin with defining the problem. When facing a problem, we should not rush to solve it but instead ask ourselves: Why am I solving this problem? What is my ultimate goal? Once we have the answers, solving the problem will have a fundamental guarantee. P27-28