Deepakintherace

Jun 22, 2024

35

Why can't we solve a Rubik's Cube?

We can't solve a Rubik's Cube because we are programmed not to lose. If any of you have tried solving a Rubik's Cube and you were born in a typical Indian/Asian family, you know the struggle. Exceptions are those 100-percentile geniuses in JEE exams. And by solving a Rubik's Cube, I mean solving all the sides/colors without watching YouTube videos or using formulas. This is because of the inherent fact that we were always taught by our parents and society to never lose, always get first rank (even though only one can get that spot), go to IITs and IIMs, and whatnot.

The reason why we can't solve a Rubik's Cube is because we need to sacrifice our position. You have to shuffle your progress, redo stuff that will destroy the current best position where you have almost solved two sides. This is an issue we carry forward a lot. Sometimes the next step is to lose, but we give up before we lose because we are greedy. According to greedy algorithms, you want your next step to always be better than before. This is not how you solve the Rubik's Cube or the problems in your life, for that matter.

Think ahead, take steps, be bold, and take risks while you are still in a safe environment. Who knows what you might discover? Not everything can be overseen, and one day you will look back and realize you left a path that others might follow when you were stuck with no path to follow. Be ready to unlearn what you have learned, give up everything, lose all your progress, and that is how you solve a Rubik's Cube.

If you are playing football and you don’t know how to shoot, your friends will probably yell if you take a shot instead of passing. But if you have a friend (who also started with you) who doesn’t care and keeps shooting, after a few weeks of practice, he will finally learn to shoot. The same friends who yelled at him will start clapping for the goals he scores, but you the people pleaser will be at the same spot.

In order to win, you must lose. It is not preferable; it is necessary. People who take a year break, drop out, or face all kinds of issues are shamed and questioned. But in the end, they get into IITs, IIMs, FANG, or start a company. Now everyone says, "I know him so well, he/she is such a talented person," etc. Nobody will remember the loss or the sacrifice anymore when you make it. So don't be afraid to lose because losing is the only stepping stone to success.