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Quote: On Wicked Problems and Simple Solutions

Beware the shyster selling simple solutions.

It has been a while since I shared a quote. See this one from H.L. Mencken, "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong."

Our interconnectedness has created a complex weave of people and organizations that rely on one another to function. This is true in a crisis and also in daily life. On the other hand, we all crave simple solutions to the problems we face. Most of the time today, we are unable — through our own individual actions — to solve a wicked problem. We can do our part, we can encourage others, we can be willing partners — but, the complex will generally take more time and a larger effort from people and organizations outside of our personal control. 

This then is life in the 21st century. Deal with it!

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.
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