Such a wonderful essay. It's very applicable to the teaching of computer science/software engineering as well. So much of the problem is the misunderstanding people have about the field. It's a creative, constructive discipline, and so much of the instruction is consumption, mimicry, and repetition.
Solving well defined problems is relatively easy. Our real problem is that real problems are not well defined.
I think I agree but isn't your last line a bit like saying "hammering in a nail is easy. The problem is that these screws aren't nails."
Chuck Close:
"I think while appropriation has produced some interesting work … for me, the most interesting thing is to back yourself into your own corner where no one else’s answers will fit. You will somehow have to come up with your own personal solutions to this problem that you have set for yourself because no one else’s answers are applicable." ...
"See, I think our whole society is much too problem-solving oriented. It is far more interesting to [participate in] ‘problem creation’ … You know, ask yourself an interesting enough question and your attempt to find a tailor-made solution to that question will push you to a place where, pretty soon, you’ll find yourself all by your lonesome — which I think is a more interesting place to be."
http://www.brainpickings.org/2012/12/27/chuck-close-on-creat...
Solving well defined problems is relatively easy. Our real problem is that real problems are not well defined.