Which one do you prefer, to solve problems on your own experience and knowledge, or toask others for advice?
As knowledge and experience serve as twim towers in problem-solving, one is often presented with two major paths that pave the way for final fulfillment, eitther to wrack his brain, just likewhat happened to Neuton, siiting for many yearsunder anappletreeand eventually figuring out ond of the greatest universal rules that govern the whole globe, orto seek for others’widsomthrough their advice, just as in the case of Benjinin Franklin,gathering great minds underone roof and then establishing a most world-renown libray. Both ways work.When a practical goal is involved, however, Benjimin Franklin may best be regareded as a role model in this respectand asking people for advice often turnout to be the prime alternative.
Experience and knowledge borrowed or learned from others’ advice contribute greatly toeffectivenessand effeciency for agoal-accomplishment. Not all experienceand knowledge related to problem-solving can be obtained by personal effort alone due to limitations of mind and capabilities of each individual. A single thoughtinsomeone’s mind is, more often than not, far less shining compared with group’s wisdom. Thatexplains the famous old saying thatone sees furtherwhenstanding upon the shoulders’ of past great giants; that explains why a great leader is always with greater minds; that also explains why teamwork in corperation is highly emphasized in the
21st century. Brainstorm andexchange of ideas between different thoughts never fail to enhancecapabilities ofeach individula involved, a team, a company, an institution,a country, or even theentire global village.
Asking others’ advice instead of getting everything done on one’s own promotes democracyand communication too. In terms of democracy, it is necessary to give others rights and chances tospeak since the problem may concern themin different ways, and their saying in turn reflects our respect toward freedom ofspeech as well as their wisdom. In terms of communication, ideaexchange sometimes focuses more than solutions, and hereby better mutual understanding aboutperspectives, principles, praticalities and personalities of each other.
Admittely turning to others for help and suggestion by no means refers to absolute andirresponsible dependence. Consideration upon different thoughts and ideas broadens our mind, enlarges our vision, furthersunderstanding, enhances more effective and efficient brainstorm, and stresses mutual respect in groups and communities, which undoubtedly givesrise to better, if not thebest solutions. As is paraphrased from John F Kenedy, brainstormed, there is little we cannot do while divided, there is little we can do.
