Isolating the Variable

[NewClassic_v1legacy]

A NewClassic Rant about... Well... Ranting.

I often fine that some of my hardest challenges is really figuring out what's bothering me sometimes. All forms of singling-out are hard for me to do because I can never really come to terms with exactly what's bothering me. It seems like a communal thing most days.

There's never just a single little problem in a day. Moods are a bit like snowballs in that all it takes is a little push for a large mess to come crashing down. It seems so completely absurd that one little problem could cause an entire trainwreck, but life is as hinged on the details as it is the main points.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a395/NewClassic/Forum%20Stuff/Escapist/10089800.jpg
The biggest frustration for me is knowing that no matter how specific or detail-oriented life's examination can become, there's always the one random variable throwing a spanner in the works.

But the spanner itself isn't usually the problem. Usually you can identify the biggest underlying factor. Standing in the abandoned husk of a house charred to the drywall should be proof enough that a fire burned the house down. The biggest job is to look at the still-smoking remains of what was once a domicile and asking oneself, "I wonder what caused the house to go up like that?" Sure, fire was what happened to the house, but what happened to the fire?

Examining that seems to be the key to problem-solving, but isolating the variable just doesn't seem like it's wanting to be conducive to whole process. Math doesn't teach people proper mathematics as much as it teaches people life lessons. Problems are rarely as simple as "57 + 92." The steps to solve that sort of thing are easy. Problems are usually something along the lines of "3x[sup]2[/sup] + 2xy + 57y[sup]2[/sup] + 5[sup]y[/sup] = (7y + 2xy + 1)[sup]xy[/sup]". Problems become about deconstruction. The core of the problem comes in finding the parts you need to solve it to begin with. The first step in this long and convoluted process is always isolating the variable.

Most lately, I've been having trouble discerning exactly where I see flaws in things. I could not say whether or not my apparently negative commentary on the Watchmen was more a function of my distaste for the movie or if it was the end result of my tumbling mood of late. My initial frustrations with many of the games I've been playing lately might be the direct result of the mood instead of any fault on the game's design or aesthetic.

http://www.columbia.edu/~sl2403/gnuplot/fig/sample4.4b.png
Life would be admittedly easier if all problems could work out to be obvious flaws. The proverbial problem Black-Box. Standing in the ruins of a fallen civilization wondering "The hell happened to these people?" We just need to check the Black-Box and see, "Oh! Nuclear fallout. Why did no one think to use the Geiger counter?"

Problems won't fold out to be x=y. They hardly ever will. The challenge in life is taking those steps and isolating the variables. Life would ostensibly be easier if all of the problems had as simple a solution as pressing x repeatedly. I'm not entirely convinced it would be better though.

Maybe there's something special about having to work for solutions to life's problems. Parents often tell their children that conflict builds character. Maybe pulling yourself up from the bicycle crash is as telling about problem actually going through the crash to begin with. Maybe over-thinking about the problems and their roots is part of the problem itself. Maybe I should focus on problem-solution instead of problem-understanding.

Discussion Topic
Do life's problems need to be cut off at the head? Or should they be unraveled with the pluck of the offending thread? Or should life be more about working around problems instead of examining them? Or is it all conjecture and a pointless exercise anyway?

 

[Peach_hat]

You're asking a bunch of teenagers questions for a well educated psycologist, don't expect any gold.

Yeah teenagers are smart etc.
Don't flame me for speaking the truth.

 

[Handofpwn]

I have to say conjecture and pointless exercise. It's not that the ride isnt fun, its just that the ride will always be random and different.

 

[Labyrinth]

You're asking a bunch of teenagers questions for a well educated psycologist, don't expect any gold.

Yeah teenagers are smart etc.
Don't flame me for speaking the truth.

Can I rouse on you for avoiding the topic then? Seriously. If you don't have anything to add to a conversation, why post? We're not all highschool students so you know. The Escapist even has people who've done psych degrees.

For my own problem solving, I pick it apart, examine all the mechanisms and go to put them back together until something else goes "SPOING" and the process starts over again.

The reasoning behind such is primarily analytical. The small details can well hold an answer to a problem as they can display causes. Of course, a big picture view is needed which comes into the initial observation and mental notes before I decide to take metaphoric screwdrivers out. Without an overarching idea as to what's going on it's very easy to get lost in the fine mechanics and find yourself having messed things up even more.

 

[Ronwue]

Mathematicians always want to transpose life into equations. The earliest example I can think of is Newton with his definition of gravity. Since then all sorts of natural phenomenons have been transposed in either physics or statistical mathematics. I predict that in the future, we will have equations that will be able to approximate our day to day encounters with other people. Then the problem will be to approximate those solutions and wonder if they're the unique solutions or if they are a part of an infinity of solutions. And then wonder how to find out the optimum approximation.

Thinking on your questions, I believe that all of them are answered positively. Some of life's problems need a swift blow to the head in order to be quelled, whereas others need to be examined, tested, prodded and finally the weed in the wheat field will be plainly visible, although that is usually wishful thinking. Life experience, wisdom and intuition all come into play when we need to choose one way of fixing our problems.

You can't work around all of your problems as you can't fix all of them. You can't fix them if you don't know what the problem is, of which answer you discover by examining it. After that you can decide whether to cut its head or brush its teeth.

 

[Captain Blackout]

It's about problem-solving but more importantly, it's about problem-solving together.

If a single variable takes down an entire construct how well built was the construct in the first place? Yet, even in the best built constructs entropy rules in the end. It is this simple fact of reality that forces us together or drives us apart. I maintain faith in God as a Taoist. Even so, I know life is inherently empty and meaningless. It is our job to bring meaning to our existences. I'm big on simplifying problems and tackling that which poses the biggest challenge. This rarely works for everything. My family and I work together so we can all have meaningful lives. Without this my life is simply that of a hermit living in dissipation. It will never be easy, problems will continue, you will continue to feel unrest. Be ok with that and wring happiness out of your life by living with and for others. Otherwise the games and movies and everything else is an unsatisfying self-serving personal exercise in self-gratification.

There is also another possibility that should not be over-looked. If your mood is constantly in the ditch with no way out you may need to consider therapeutic help. We are all imperfect and always will be but we can still enjoy life. When you can no longer enjoy life you may need to look at your own chemistry and make sure you aren't being brought down by something as easily fixable as chronic depression.

That's all I've got for now. My wife is waiting for me to watch House with her so gotta go. May you find better days ahead.

 

[Neesa]

You can easily sweep a problem under a rug and let it fester and become worse, but that doesn't make the problem go away. Sometimes it's hard to come to terms with a problem face to face. Whether it be something mental or situational, it's hard. But, I've always believed that problems are what helps us as both individuals and a humanity as a whole progress. If everything was all fine and dandy all the time, it would be pretty dull. Problems suck. Yeah, but they can be great time wasters. They give you something to do, something to figure out, something to keep your mind occupied on something other than the normal day to day routine.

Some problems are, of course, bigger than others. Not having enough money to pay for your college classes seems to be bigger than deciding what to wear for the day. However, a lot of the times, there can be solutions to the problems if you sit down and really think it over without the whole "worry" factor.

Problems is where critical thinking/problem solving is needed the most. If we're always trying to find a quick answer instead of working it out, what are we learning? Isn't that what a part of life is? Learning and progressing. Now, based on the severity of the problem is where you can either cut its head off like the Highlander, or sit down and have tea and take it over for a little. It all depends on your patience and level of threshold you have for the problem.

Edit: High five to Captain Blackout for understanding the whole "problem-solving" scenario. I think Taoism is a great religion. I got a better understand after hearing some of "The Tao of Pooh". <3

 

[000Ronald]

Y'know, I had a big, long post, with lots of sentimentiality, wisdom, and humor, but the internet decided to chew it up and spit it in my face. I won't lie; it pissed me off. But I'll get over it.

Let me see if I can sum it up for you. Having problems is a part of being human; it means you feel something. Isn't that a good thing, that you can feel something? Think about that. I would rather be pissed off because the internet ate my post than not care because I'm a machine.

Apologies for the vaugeness, but my original post was awesome on a stick. On a friggin' stick!

 

[Neesa]

Y'know, I had a big, long post, with lots of sentimentiality, wisdom, and humor, but the internet decided to chew it up and spit it in my face. I won't lie; it pissed me off. But I'll get over it.

Let me see if I can sum it up for you. Having problems is a part of being human; it means you feel something. Isn't that a good thing, that you can feel something? Think about that. I would rather be pissed off because the internet ate my post than not care because I'm a machine.

Apologies for the vaugeness, but my original post was awesome on a stick. On a friggin' stick!

I hate that. Especially when you're in the moment and you press "post" but the internet DC'd while it was trying to post...Then when you try to go back the post is gone? Oh man. That's happened so many times. Since I couldn't relive the moment, we have to do vague post as said above.

 

[Labyrinth]

I'd read this, but you clearly put way to much effort into a fucking forum post. Get a grip.

You seem to have missed the point of the Escapist. Many of us like in depth discussion. If you don't, there is a small x button to the top right of the window. I recommend clicking it and not returning.

 

[NewClassic_v1legacy]

You're asking a bunch of teenagers questions for a well educated psycologist, don't expect any gold.

I'm a twenty year old English Major with a penchant for gaming and playing hacky-sack. I have no professional background with philosophy, though I discount my opening post no more than I would any other experiences and opinions. I can learn as much from others as I can professional advice. Don't discount opinions, as those are often the gold themselves.

For my own problem solving, I pick it apart, examine all the mechanisms and go to put them back together until something else goes "SPOING" and the process starts over again.

Ah, but the question here lies in the efficiency of this process. To examine every little point for every problem would take ages. Though it's still a proven functional process.

[It is a]fter that you can decide whether to cut its head or brush its teeth.

True enough, though I'm asking more for an average than specifics. Though yours seems a very sound method, and probably says quite a bit about the type of resolution you reach for your problems. Fantastic post, all things considered.

Isn't that a good thing, that you can feel something? Think about that.

Actually, I touch on that in the pen-ultimate paragraph. I certainly think there's a lot of good to be found simply from touching base with the simple fact that life does have problems. Problems show and affect one's outlook of life tremendously. Though it's always a fun experience to absurd the method as well as the madness.

I'd read this, but you clearly put way to much effort into a fucking forum post. Get a grip.

Honestly, any foray into my posting history shows I do have a background with formatted and structured posts like these. It makes them more easily read (given the usual length), and is actually a form of hobby I enjoy doing. I've always been a glutton for formatting, and it shows loud and clear here on The Escapist.

Though I give you no distaste for your hobbies (such as anime, if your Haruhi avatar is any indication), so I fail to see any reason for you to do so to me. I don't expect your respect, but I certainly wish for your most common of courtesies.

 

[NewClassic_v1legacy]

Alright, alright, I was a dick. I apologize. It seemed a bit pretentious to me. If I'm in the minority with that opinion, I'm sorry. You'll hear no more from me.

It's all good. Mistakes can happen. I have to say "No harm, no foul." You're welcome to contribute if you'd like.

 

[Peach_hat]

I'm a twenty year old English Major with a penchant for gaming and playing hacky-sack. I have no professional background with philosophy, though I discount my opening post no more than I would any other experiences and opinions. I can learn as much from others as I can professional advice. Don't discount opinions, as those are often the gold themselves.

Nice to see some confidence in us I guess.
You'd think someone with my counseling history would be able to help but sorry.

 

[Labyrinth]

Ah, but the question here lies in the efficiency of this process. To examine every little point for every problem would take ages. Though it's still a proven functional process.

I enjoy it. An art form much like subtle manipulation is, requiring much attention to details and the like. Of course some things still piss me off to the point where "Hammertime!" takes on a new meaning. I use different methods for those.

 

[Ignignoct]

I say there's plenty of time to discern potential problems and their solutions in the "betweens" of life. Between driving from home to work/college, between laying down and actually sleeping, etc. Solving problems is a joy for me. I'm a military IT, and often times I just get put in front of something that's broke and get told "fix it NAO, we need to be operational ASAP!"

But I like that.

I like it in a sort of masochistic "come on, HURT ME!" kind of way.

I like it, because the fact that I've learned to enjoy life's problems separates me from my peers. Besides, I've spent a lot of time pondering, and I'm greatly worried for myself once I no longer have problems, goals, to work towards. After you beat the game... There's not much to do anymore.

Good thread.

Edit: 22 years old, btw.

 

[Rhayn]

I'm suprised how much I got out of the few posts made here. It really got me thinking.

I've always enjoyed thinking about pratical problems that may or may not occur in the future. I find there are few things more rewarding than executing a thought-out plan and seeing it 'devour' the problem.

But often I find myself to rather do things as they present themselves, perhaps leading to new problems.

 

[Handofpwn]

I have to say conjecture and pointless exercise. It's not that the ride isnt fun, its just that the ride will always be random and different.

Ugh. Now that I am awake and have gotten some sleep I realize how pointless my first post was.

Okay, what I was trying to convey was that I have four categories of problems. Category one is shit that needs to get done right now. Category two is stuff that I can take my time and enjoy. Category three are Potentially life altering (Like whether to quit a job, or something.). And lastly is category four. Category four is filled with problems that are so insignificant that I dont even bother worrying about unless the person at the other side of the problem wont let it drop.

After I figure out where the problems rank, I then look at them, consider for a while, and take action. I try not to second guess that action (Unless it seems really stupid later).

This is what I was trying to say earlier and I hope this answers the question.

 

[Same River New Water]

Do life's problems need to be cut off at the head? Or should they be unraveled with the pluck of the offending thread? Or should life be more about working around problems instead of examining them?

Maybe you would find it easier to think and express yourself if you used less metaphors. It would certainly make your writing easier to follow.

Straight up, no snark intended.

 

[Galletea]

It depends, I don't always have time to pick apart that nagging sense of gloom, so I just force myself to work around it. I do prefer to try and analyse it though, after a while I write everything down that is annoying me and getting me down and then read it through. Sometimes it's just a gathering of small elements, and when I isolate them on paper, I can see how silly it is for me to be depressed about them.

 

[Raven's Nest]

Do life's problems need to be cut off at the head? Or should they be unraveled with the pluck of the offending thread? Or should life be more about working around problems instead of examining them? Or is it all conjecture and a pointless exercise anyway?

Stupid enter button...editing in progress...

EDIT:

Wait, that gives me an idea.

I was just about to post something probably far too generic for the likes of the answers given thus far. But given my extremely recent incident (accidently posted nothing but Nuke's quote), I've had a revelation of sorts.

One simple spasm of the hand caused my post to erase itself and post it up on the board. I have no idea how it happened, and only an annoyingly rhetorical understanding of why. So I deduce from that event that I can lead my mind down two familiar paths. I can simply ignore the problem or I can try and understand it.

The beauty of understanding that choice, was presented to me when I realised the solution to the problem didn't matter. If I ignored the problem, I would have abandoned my post on this thread and gone about my day without a care in the world. If I try and understand it, it only leads to me thinking of more problems, or more specifically, noticing other problems.

For example, I was posting in my Death Penalty [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.94936?page=1] thread yesterday and I experienced a similar problem. I lost about half an hours worth of typing (in thought not length). Did it piss me off? Sure, but when I wrote down my response again, it came to me a little clearer and probably less offensively than it might have done originally. This was a good thing, so I let go of the fact it had inconvenienced me in the first place. The same has happened now.

If this has been a confusing explanation of my thoughts then I apologise. In summary, I have learned to look at problems in a new light. The wisdom can be gained from finding a solution is usually more interesting than trying to work out why a problem happened in the first place.