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Every problem is unique.

Engineering problem solving relies on the familiar, but invention is also called for. Some problem-solving tools are developed through rote and repetition, some emerge intuitively, some rote-learned tools become intuitive over time, and some come out of necessity and even desperation. Add the tools you develop while solving each problem to your toolbox, to use on future problems. More important, add to your toolbox the methods by which you discovered the new tools.

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