Wild Problems

1. Wild problems defy measurement and rational analysis

Wild problems are untamed, undomesticated, spontaneous, organic, complex. They're a whole different beast compared to the tame problems where the standard techniques of rationality move us steadily forward.

Tame vs. wild problems. Tame problems have clear goals, verifiable techniques, and replicable results. Examples include scientific experiments, engineering challenges, and mathematical puzzles. Wild problems, on the other hand, involve subjective goals, uncertain outcomes, and no clear manual for success. These include major life decisions like choosing a career, deciding to marry, or having children.

Limitations of rational analysis. Traditional cost-benefit analysis falls short when dealing with wild problems because:

• We can't accurately predict future experiences or emotions
• Our preferences and values may change as a result of our choices (the "vampire problem")
• Many important aspects of life, like meaning and purpose, resist quantification

Embracing uncertainty. Instead of seeking certainty, we must learn to navigate the inherent uncertainty of wild problems. This involves recognizing our limitations, being open to new experiences, and focusing on personal growth rather than optimal outcomes.

2. Flourishing matters more than narrow utilitarianism

There's something else going on alongside the daily experiences, moment to moment. A fulfilling life, a life well lived, is about more than adding up pleasure and pain and trying to make the former greater than the latter.

Beyond pleasure and pain. Narrow utilitarianism focuses solely on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. However, a truly fulfilling life involves more than just positive experiences. It includes:

• Purpose and meaning
• Personal growth and self-actualization
• Integrity and living according to one's values
• Connections with others and a sense of belonging

The importance of flourishing. Flourishing refers to living life fully and realizing one's human potential. It transcends and elevates our day-to-day experiences, providing an overarching sense of satisfaction and meaning. When making decisions, consider not just the immediate costs and benefits, but also how your choices align with your vision of a life well-lived.

Balancing act. While flourishing is crucial, it doesn't mean completely ignoring practical considerations. The challenge is to find a balance between pursuing higher ideals and meeting basic needs and desires. Recognize that sometimes short-term discomfort or sacrifice may be necessary for long-term flourishing.

3. Getting over yourself: Embrace the ensemble mindset

Instead of savoring your conversational brilliance, savor the experience of interacting with another human being. See what happens without expectation during that encounter and without a plan to steer it in particular directions.

Shifting perspective. We often view our lives as personal narratives with ourselves as the main character. This can lead to self-centeredness and a transactional approach to relationships. Instead, try adopting an "ensemble mindset":

• See yourself as part of a larger cast of characters
• Focus on connections and shared experiences
• Be present and open to unexpected interactions

Benefits of the ensemble approach:

• Richer, more meaningful relationships
• Increased empathy and understanding
• Reduced anxiety about personal performance or gain
• Greater appreciation for the complexity of life

Practical applications. Apply the ensemble mindset to everyday interactions:

• In conversations, listen more and resist the urge to steer or dominate
• Approach social situations with curiosity rather than a personal agenda
• Celebrate others' successes as part of the collective story
• Recognize how your actions impact the larger "ensemble" of your community

4. Privilege your principles over cost-benefit analysis

Putting your principles above the day-to-day costs and benefits is about more than ethics or the virtue of honesty that we confront when we find a lost wallet or are offered a consulting opportunity that is highly lucrative but ethically questionable. Privileging your principles is about what kind of person you want to be and who you might want to become.

The power of principles. When facing ethical dilemmas or important decisions, prioritize your core values and principles over narrow self-interest. This approach:

• Simplifies decision-making by providing clear guidelines
• Helps build and maintain integrity
• Contributes to long-term flourishing and self-respect

Developing and strengthening principles:

• Identify your core values and the person you aspire to be
• Practice acting in accordance with these principles, even in small matters
• Reflect on how your actions align with your ideals
• Seek out role models and communities that reinforce your values

Balancing principles and pragmatism. While principles should generally take precedence, recognize that extreme situations may require flexibility. The key is to make principled decisions the default, rather than constantly weighing costs and benefits for every choice.

5. Be like Bill: Embrace optionality and learn as you go

Use this idea for living. Try to have more experiences than fewer. Try stuff. Stop doing the stuff that isn't for you. Embrace the opportunities that make your heart sing. Spend less time trying to figure out in advance what those might be and more time taking chances as long as you can opt out at a low enough cost.

The Belichick approach. NFL coach Bill Belichick's draft strategy offers valuable lessons for life:

1. Embrace optionality: Create opportunities to try different paths
2. Learn through experience: Recognize that some things can only be understood by doing
3. Be willing to cut losses: Don't cling to sunk costs or bad fits
4. Balance persistence with flexibility: Know when to persevere and when to change course

Practical applications:

• Seek out low-risk opportunities to explore new interests or career paths
• Use internships, short-term commitments, or trial periods to gather real-world information
• Be open to changing direction when something isn't working, rather than stubbornly sticking to a plan
• Focus on creating a portfolio of experiences rather than searching for a single perfect choice

Overcoming fear of regret. Recognize that "mistakes" in wild problems are often just choices that turned out differently than expected. Forgive yourself for imperfect decisions and focus on learning and growth.

6. Live like an artist: Be open to discovery and emergence

Living like an artist means being open to discovery about the world and about yourself. As educator Lorne Buchman explores in his book Make to Know, poets, sculptors, novelists, and composers learn about what they are crafting in the process of crafting it.

The artistic approach to life:

• Embrace uncertainty and the unknown
• Allow for organic development and unexpected discoveries
• Be open to revising your "work" (life choices, career path, relationships) as you go
• Find a balance between planning and spontaneity

Practical strategies:

• Say "yes" to new experiences that might expand your horizons
• Approach conversations and relationships with curiosity rather than fixed agendas
• Be willing to deviate from your plans when interesting opportunities arise
• Regularly reflect on your experiences and adjust your course accordingly

Balancing structure and flexibility. While living like an artist involves embracing uncertainty, it doesn't mean abandoning all planning. Instead, think of your life as a work in progress, with room for both intentional choices and serendipitous discoveries.

7. Aspire to become the person you want to be

We human beings are the only animals that have desires about our desires. So if you don't have a conscience and no one is watching you, keeping the wallet is rational. But maybe you are ashamed of that feeling. Maybe, because you would like to contribute to your community instead of exploiting it, you aspire to have a conscience.

The power of aspiration. Recognize that you have the ability to shape your desires, values, and character over time. This involves:

• Identifying the qualities and virtues you admire
• Setting intentions to cultivate those qualities
• Taking actions that align with your aspirations, even if they don't come naturally at first

Strategies for personal growth:

• Seek out role models and mentors who embody the qualities you aspire to
• Practice "acting as if" – behave in ways consistent with your ideal self
• Reflect on your actions and motivations regularly
• Celebrate progress and be patient with setbacks

The transformative journey. Understand that becoming the person you want to be is an ongoing process. It requires:

• Self-awareness to recognize areas for improvement
• Courage to face uncomfortable truths about yourself
• Persistence in the face of setbacks and old habits
• A growth mindset that believes in the possibility of change

By actively working to shape your character and desires, you can align your actions more closely with your highest ideals and create a more fulfilling, purposeful life.

Last updated: April 3, 2025