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How to know if you're asking the wrong question ? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by MalReynolds@slrpnk.net to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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What's that principle where you don't know you're asking the wrong question because you've got this idea in your head on how to do something, so you search frustratingly. If you could step up a level and find the right question, you'd find a well established, efficient solution.

Related to unknown unknowns I guess, but I came across a phrase or word encapsulating it, and now I can't remember or (ironically) find it.

ETA: It's the XY Problem, thanks Bophades@midwest.social.

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[–] intensely_human@lemm.ee 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

This is tangentially related to what the eastern mystics call the “tao”.

[–] MalReynolds@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 month ago

Not wrong.

My favourite encapsulism of Daoism is...(paraphrased, possibly a profound joke)

A Buddhist will go with the flow down a river, as will a Taoist, but the Taoist will paddle at the right time to choose (something).