"Solving big problems is easier than solving little problems."
Sergey Brin
This quote comes from Sergey Brin, born on August 21, 1973, one of the co-founders of Google and a key figure in the tech world. Brin’s statement may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but it reflects a deeper understanding of innovation, problem-solving, and ambition.
At the heart of this quote is the idea that tackling big, ambitious problems often sparks greater creativity, motivation, and engagement. Big problems tend to attract significant attention and resources because they challenge the status quo and offer the potential for transformative impact. When working on something that has wide-reaching implications—such as improving global access to information or developing groundbreaking technologies—there's often a strong sense of purpose. This sense of purpose can inspire people to find creative solutions and mobilize teams to work together more effectively, making it easier to focus and push through obstacles.
In contrast, smaller problems or incremental improvements might seem more straightforward, but they can often be trickier to solve. Smaller issues may lack the urgency or passion that comes with larger challenges, leading to less innovative thinking. Additionally, smaller problems may involve details and nuances that are harder to navigate or that don't allow for bold, visionary solutions. The complexity of minute issues can sometimes lead to endless tweaking and fine-tuning without ever achieving a groundbreaking result.
Brin’s experience with Google is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. When he and Larry Page founded the company, they weren’t just trying to build a better search engine—they wanted to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. This was a huge, audacious goal, and it required innovative thinking, massive technical advancements, and global collaboration. However, by focusing on solving this "big problem," they created a platform that revolutionized the way people access information, making it easier for billions of people around the world.
The quote also touches on the concept of leverage. When solving large problems, the potential payoff is massive, and the solutions often have far-reaching effects. This creates momentum that can make the problem-solving process feel more worthwhile and energizing, as opposed to working on smaller, less impactful problems that may not have the same sense of importance.
In summary, Sergey Brin's quote highlights the paradox that large, ambitious challenges can be easier to solve because they inspire vision, collaboration, and creativity, while smaller problems, though seemingly simpler, may bog down progress with their intricacies.