A Thought on Solving Problems
Knowing the right answer to a problem doesn't mean we understand the problem. If, for example, we look at -2y+4=2(4y+12) we might know how to do the equation to get the answer -2, but this doesn't mean we understand it. It only means we followed steps that were taught to us using rote memory. No actual knowledge was needed. As a result, knowledge and its creation can only happen when we understand a problem and move beyond equations.
Problems in life always arise and are novel. From climate change and global pandemics to an individual figuring out what they wish to pursue, there will always be issues we must confront which no other generation had. This is especially apparent when taking into account the amount of accessible knowledge at the time of any given problem. (Eg. the current pandemic gave birth to RNA vaccines. A creation that could never have existed until now, because of the lack of knowledge across multiple disciplines including advancements in technology that were unrelated at one point.) Life always presents unique problems despite the resemblances, but it also presents unique solutions.
Our natural instinct for remedies is to fall back on the algorithms (aka heuristics) that were taught to us. Go to college, get a job, get married, etc. The algorithms work until they don't though, and we never stop to understand a problem until it shows up on our doorstep. When the algorithms fall apart the only solution is to turn towards our creativity and generate new knowledge. This is what every problem demands.
The act of generating knowledge is rooted in conjecture about an objective world. Not all conjecture is right though in the same way that not all scientific theory right. In order for one's creative conjecture to be true, it has to be a good explanation about reality. This is why knowledge, as it grows, becomes intertwined with other fields. And this ability, to continually generate knowledge, sits at all of our feet. Whether or not we pick it up and carry it is a whole other story though.
Addressing the problems that inevitably confront us, with a disposition of understanding and creativity, is a task that no algorithm can handle. Being willing to take on the responsibility of knowledge and its creation is a necessity if we hope to find any solution to the pitfalls of life.