"No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking"

When you break it down, the core idea here is that when you focus deeply on a problem and think about it persistently, you can eventually solve it. It's about using the power of your brain over time to break through difficulties—no matter how tough they seem initially.

Let's dive into some context. This kind of thinking has roots in the Enlightenment period, where thinkers believed in the power of human reason. They were confident that, given enough time and thought, humans could solve any problem thrown their way. It’s an idea that resonates with anyone who’s faced a stubborn challenge. Think about a time in your life when you just couldn’t figure something out at first, but after pondering it for a while—maybe even sleeping on it—you finally had a breakthrough. That’s this quote in action.

Imagine a real-life scenario: Thomas Edison, the famous inventor, is a classic example. He didn’t create the lightbulb in a day. It took thousands of attempts—some might call them failures, others would call them steps toward success. Edison kept at it, thinking and rethinking, tweaking his designs, learning from each mistake until he finally hit upon the solution. His sustained thinking and relentless effort made a monumental impact on the world.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by tackling your problems head-on. Don’t shy away just because it seems hard at first. Sit with it. Think about it when you’re commuting, cooking, or even in the shower. Keep a notebook handy to jot down any insights that come to you unexpectedly. Sometimes, the best ideas hit when you’re not even trying too hard. And most importantly, don’t give up. Problems often seem insurmountable because we expect fast solutions. Realize that sustained thinking means giving yourself the time and space to find those solutions.

Let's bring this idea to life with a relatable scenario. Picture this: You’re a student struggling with a complex math problem. You’ve stared at it for an hour, and nothing seems to make sense. Frustration sets in. Instead of throwing your notebook across the room, you decide to take a break. You go for a walk, and the problem lingers in the back of your mind. Later, you return to it with fresh eyes. You try a different approach, rework the equations, and slowly, the solution starts to come into focus. That’s the magic of sustained thinking. It’s not about having an immediate answer; it’s about giving your brain the time to work through the knots.

So next time you hit a roadblock, remember this: Don’t give up too quickly. Let your mind chew on the problem for a while. Keep at it, and you’ll find that even the toughest challenges start to unravel under the steady gaze of sustained thinking. Think of it as a mental workout—sometimes it’s exhausting, but the results are worth it.