A Sense of Wonder

A Questioning Mind

The topic arises over and over: "I've learned to solve problems reasonably well, but how do I find or create good problems?" There are some people who seem to be gifted with a nose for problems. Pasteur, for instance, could go into stagnant fields, ask new questions, and make dramatic discoveries – even while partially paralyzed by a stroke. How did he do it?

At the very least, it can't hurt to have an aggressive mind that strives constantly to make sense of the world around. When something doesn't make sense, there's likely to be a good question for which you can provide a good answer.

A Happy Mind

Problem solvers seem to be a happy bunch. I suspect there's a positive feedback going on. An interesting read is Exhuberance: The Passion for Life by Kay Redfield Jamison.