The X Y Problem

It’s 1903.

You hate driving in the rain.

Why?

Every time you do you have to get out of your car every few miles and wipe the windshield with a rag.

So you head to your local hardware store looking for some fans to install on your hood to blow the rain away.

“How would I install fans on my hood?” you ask.

The man gives you three fans and some instructions.

Alternatively imagine if you had asked, “I’m trying to clear the raindrops on my windshield, what’s the best way to do that?“

He may have a told you about a new invention, the windshield wipers.

Lead with the problem, not the solution.

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