Life is problem-solving.
Karl Popper and Isaac Newton stand as intellectual giants whose work has shaped not only science but also our understanding of life itself. Though they lived in different contexts and addressed different questions, their ideas intersect profoundly. Popper, one of the most influential philosophers of science, famously asserted, “All life is problem-solving.” Newton, the father of classical physics, formulated the laws of motion that forever changed how we understand force and movement.
By blending Popper’s philosophy of life with Newton’s scientific laws, we uncover timeless lessons on resilience, purpose, and progress—lessons that apply not only in science but also in the everyday battles of life.
1. Force as the Metaphor for Life’s Problems
In Newton’s physics, a force is that which changes the state of an object—it can set it in motion, slow it down, stop it, or change its direction. Similarly, in life, problems act as forces. They may propel us forward, hold us back, or leave us stagnant.
The essential truth here is that our reaction to these “forces” determines our life’s trajectory. The problem itself is not the deciding factor; it is our response that determines whether we move forward, slide backwards, or remain stuck.
2. Popper’s First Insight — Problems Are Inevitable
Karl Popper’s statement, “All life is problem-solving,” is not a cynical observation but a recognition of life’s fundamental structure. We cannot live without encountering obstacles because to live is to act, and to act is to face resistance.
To deny the inevitability of problems is to live unprepared. Just as a sailor prepares for storms even in calm weather, we must be mentally and emotionally equipped for life’s disruptions. If you expect no resistance, you will be crushed when it arrives. But if you anticipate it, you can meet it with strategy and strength.
3. Popper’s Second Insight — The Power of Perception
The way we perceive problems shapes how we respond to them. See a problem as a dead-end, and it will paralyse you. See it as a challenge, and it will mobilise you.
A problem is something we sit and stare at, feeling defeated.
A challenge is something we stand up and face, feeling determined.
Moreover, the magnitude of the problems you tackle will determine the magnitude of your success. Solving a mild headache may bring personal relief, but solving a global health crisis can change the course of history. The few extraordinary people we admire are not necessarily more gifted than the rest; they simply chose to take on the bigger, harder challenges—the ones that most people avoid.
4. Newton’s First Law — Problems Stay Until You Act
Newton’s first law states, “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.” Applied to life, this means that your problems will remain exactly as they are until you do something about them.
Some people wait for life to change on its own, but inertia keeps them stuck. Others decide to act, and in doing so, they change not only their situation but also their momentum. Once you get moving, momentum works in your favour—solutions lead to new opportunities, and progress leads to more progress.
5. The Divine Advantage
From a faith perspective, the Bible assures us that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13). This truth means that we are not powerless before life’s forces. God has given us the ability to confront challenges, to push through opposition, and to create forward motion where there was once stagnation.
The blend of Popper’s and Newton’s insights leads us to one conclusion: life is a continuous interplay between forces (problems) and our responses (actions). You can choose your reaction—and therefore to choose your direction.
Finally
You cannot avoid the forces of life, but you can learn to work with them. Problems are not interruptions to your journey—they are the journey. And just as in physics, where force applied in the right direction produces motion, so in life, purposeful action applied to the right challenges produces growth.
The power is yours. Use it well.
