The Paradox of Solution : Solving Old Problems, Creating New Ones
Life, in its raw essence, presents a paradox : as we solve problems, we inevitably create new ones. This cyclical nature of problem creation and resolution encapsulates the core of life’s absurdity — a theme that philosophers, scientists, and thinkers have wrestled with for centuries. In the grand pursuit of meaning, we find ourselves trapped in a seemingly endless loop where every solution breeds fresh complexities, every breakthrough uncovers new layers of ignorance, and every act of progress ushers in unforeseen consequences. In this essay, I shall explore this paradox illustrating the humorous absurdity of existence while acknowledging the intellectual tension at its core.
The Absurdity of Life and Problem-Solving
Albert Camus, in The Myth of Sisyphus, poignantly illustrated life’s absurdity by likening human existence to the futile task of rolling a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down each time we near the top. Camus contended that the pursuit of meaning in a meaningless universe is, in itself, absurd. The metaphor of Sisyphus is particularly fitting when applied to the nature of human problem-solving: the moment we believe we’ve reached the summit, another boulder — another problem — appears.
The absurdity arises from the human desire to resolve the fundamental uncertainties of life, only to discover that each resolution spawns new questions. This is not merely a philosophical quirk but a structural characteristic of existence itself. The more we know, the more we realize how much remains unknown. The more we fix, the more we inadvertently break.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Organizational Entropy
In scientific terms, the absurdity of life’s problem-solving endeavors can be understood through the lens of thermodynamics. The Second Law of Thermodynamics posits that the total entropy, or disorder, of an isolated system will always increase over time. This natural tendency toward chaos parallels the problem-creation dynamic : even as we impose order (solve problems), disorder (new problems) inevitably increases.
This entropy manifests not only in physical systems but also in organizational structures, social institutions, and technological ecosystems. As we build systems to solve human challenges — whether they be political, technological, or ecological — these systems themselves become sources of new complexity. In organizations, for instance, the introduction of new workflows to solve operational inefficiencies often creates more layers of bureaucracy, more communication channels, and more points of failure. The new systems require monitoring, maintenance, and optimization, which, in turn, become new problems to address.
The Recursive Nature of Progress
The iterative and recursive nature of problem-solving is particularly evident in scientific and technological progress. Each technological innovation solves a set of problems but, in doing so, introduces a host of unintended consequences. The development of antibiotics, for instance, provided a solution to bacterial infections, significantly extending human life expectancy. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing an even greater threat to public health than the original diseases.
This phenomenon reflects what systems theorists call the “law of unintended consequences.” When we intervene in complex systems — whether natural, social, or technological — our actions have ripple effects that are often unpredictable. The more complex the system, the more difficult it is to anticipate the consequences of our actions.
Artificial Intelligence : The Future of Problem-Solving or Problem-Creation?
The field of artificial intelligence (AI) offers a profound example of the recursive problem-solution dynamic. AI promises to solve a wide range of problems, from automating mundane tasks to addressing global challenges like climate change and healthcare. However, with the rise of AI, we are also witnessing the creation of new ethical, social, and existential dilemmas. Questions of privacy, bias, and the displacement of human labor loom large, as do concerns about AI’s potential to outpace human control.
As we develop more sophisticated AI systems to solve human problems, we also find ourselves grappling with the problem of how to control these systems. Who governs the governors? How do we ensure that the solutions provided by AI do not create more harm than good? This dilemma is an illustration of the paradox of progress: the very tools we create to solve problems become problems themselves.
Evolutionary Biology and the Creation of Problems as Adaptation
If we turn our gaze to evolutionary biology, the problem-creation dynamic takes on a different, yet equally absurd, character. Life itself, in its biological essence, is driven by the need to adapt to changing environments. However, every adaptation creates new challenges. The evolution of opposable thumbs, for example, allowed early humans to manipulate tools, solve survival challenges, and build civilizations. Yet, it also created new problems, such as vulnerability to injury, overuse syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome, and dependency on increasingly complex tools.
In evolutionary terms, organisms are never in a state of perfect equilibrium. They are constantly adapting to survive in an environment that is itself constantly changing. Thus, the act of adaptation is inherently Sisyphean — an endless cycle of solving problems created by previous solutions. This biological perspective echoes the absurdity Camus identified: life’s pursuit of survival is an unending process, and each step forward reveals new challenges.
The Red Queen Hypothesis : Running to Stay in the Same Place
The Red Queen Hypothesis, a concept in evolutionary biology, encapsulates this absurd cycle. Derived from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass, the hypothesis posits that organisms must constantly evolve not to gain a competitive advantage but merely to keep pace with their ever-evolving environment. In other words, progress is not optional; it is required simply to maintain the status quo. The same can be said for human problem-solving: we must keep solving problems, not to achieve lasting peace or stability, but simply to stay afloat in a world that continually presents new challenges.
The Psychological Burden of Constant Problem Creation
On a personal level, the continual creation of new problems can lead to what some psychologists refer to as “existential fatigue.” The constant demand for problem-solving—whether in the workplace, relationships, or personal development — can feel like a never-ending treadmill, where no matter how hard we run, we never truly reach the destination. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even existential despair.
Decision Fatigue and Cognitive Overload
In our modern age of information overload, decision-making itself becomes a source of new problems. With the sheer volume of choices available to us, we are often paralyzed by the burden of decision-making. Psychologists call this phenomenon “decision fatigue” — the more decisions we are forced to make, the worse our ability to make good decisions becomes.
This decision-making paradox mirrors the broader absurdity of life: we solve the problem of scarcity (more options, more opportunities), only to create the problem of cognitive overload. The more options we have, the harder it becomes to choose, and the more likely we are to make poor choices or become overwhelmed.
Embracing the Absurd : Finding Meaning in the Problem-Solving Loop
If life is, as Camus suggested, an absurd struggle in which every solution breeds new problems, what are we to do? One option is to embrace the absurdity — to accept that life’s problems are not puzzles to be solved once and for all but rather challenges to be engaged with in a continual process of becoming. In this sense, the act of problem-solving becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to a final resolution.
The Joy of Creation : Reframing Problems as Opportunities
The human capacity for creativity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is through this creative lens that we might find meaning in the endless cycle of problem creation. Each new problem represents an opportunity for innovation, exploration, and growth. Rather than viewing problems as obstacles to be overcome, we can reframe them as opportunities for discovery. This shift in perspective can transform the absurdity of life into a source of joy and meaning.
Sisyphus Smiling : The Defiant Embrace of Life’s Absurdity
In the closing lines of The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus famously concludes that “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.” The defiance of continuing to push the boulder, knowing it will roll back down, is not a sign of futility but of rebellion. In the same way, we can choose to embrace the absurdity of constant problem creation with a smile — acknowledging the inherent contradiction of life while continuing to solve, create, and explore.
Conclusion : The Infinite Horizon of Problems
As we reflect on the absurdity of life’s problem-solving dynamic, we are reminded of an ancient Zen koan: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” The essence of human existence, like that of Sisyphus, is not found in the resolution of problems but in the continual engagement with them. As long as we live, we will solve problems, and as long as we solve problems, we will create new ones.
This realization may seem discouraging at first, but it is also liberating. Life’s absurdity — the constant creation of new problems while solving old ones — is not a flaw but a feature. It is what keeps us growing, evolving, and, perhaps, even laughing at the absurdity of it all.
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Disclaimer : Everything written above, I owe to the great minds I’ve encountered and the voices I’ve heard along the way.