MythBusters' Adam Savage on Problem Solving: How I Do It

[@patrick258181]

Adam Savage is the only celebrity I can relate to. Interested in everything and all over the place. It's a problem for me now. I hope I can focus it for myself as he did.

[@davidsschwartzman7177]

@@seagalstrong ACCUSED of it. Being accused is not the same thing as actually doing it. And as the story points out, no one in his family thinks that his sister is telling the truth.

[@PeterKertesz2013]

Brilliant Adam Savage!! Ten years ago I wasn't speak any English at all,watching MythBusters was big help to learn it. :-) thanks for sharing this video!!

[@UpJourney]

The wonder of a good tv show and subtitle!

[@miyorkysjimenez6892]

Peter Kertesz i can relate hahah

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

I would have to ask for clarification. "What diameter? What depth? Centered where the lines of the X cross?"

[@Original50]

The thirst for and achievement of wide insight rather than monotheme expertise is a beautiful thing and proof that humanity can master ANYTHING given enough time and motivation.

[@vlasnovokhatnii4019]

Adam's set of steps: 1. What is the problem I'm solving? 2. What is the big picture? 3. Where does the problem that I'm currently solving fit into a larger array? 4. Can I see the big picture? 5. How much time do I have? What is the deadline. 6. How am I doing how? How much time do I have now? 7. Where am I in terms of the goal that I'm going to reach? 8. How precise do I have to be? 9. What is my rhythm and how does it fit into this project? What is my workflow? 10. What are my resources? 11. What is the location? 12. What is the team? 13. Is the team big enough? Is the team too big? 14. What is their moral like? 15. Do I have all the skills necessary? 16. Do I have a realistic understanding of what my skill level is for the problem I'm about to solve? 17. Is there enough time for me to get good at it? Or do I have farm it out? 18. Simple questions: - How important is this particular step? - How important is it that I get it right? - Can I screw it up? - Is my machine deteriorating? - Is this the step I might be able to improve later, so that what I'm building is a stand-in for my solution? - Am I missing something stupid? - Is there a simpler way? - Am I sure how what I'm doing fits into the larger picture? - The mental 3D model. - What is the polled picture look like now that I've solved this specific part? 19. "I have no idea what I'm doing" is a part of a process. 20. Never know how to do this exactly in the beginning and no fist bumping moment at the end. 21. What's the next project?

[@1rd69]

Q1. What is the problem I am solving? Q2. What is the big picture? Q3. How much time do I have (deadline)? Q4. How precise do I have to be? Q5. What is my rhythm and how does it fit in my project? Q6. What are my resources? Q7. Facility location. Q8. How many people do I have (too big,necessary morale)? Q9. Do I have all the skills necessary and have realistic understanding of it? Q10. What does the big picture look like now that I have solved this part? Q 11. Am I missing this something stupid?

[@skid439]

I love the way that Adam finishes his speeches. It's like ending at a cliff. You think, wait, what? Then your mind realizes that it actually was a perfect conclusion.

[@suhrazal6529]

I just love listening to Adam, he's so inspirational and a great narrator.

[@ZombieChimpanzee]

actors, of any age do truly break things remarkably frequently. In high school I was usually the prop guy and I always tried to find sturdy props, and the kids acting would just find ways to break without even trying, and what Adam doesn't say here is that actors break things like no one's business and then don't apologize or tell you until the last minute. I remember about twenty minutes before a show I found out that someone broke a prop and I had to run and grab a new one, which was a pain since finding a nearly identical prop was a pain in the ass.

[@CarpeMetus]

This is an impressive speech. I could never break down the process of anything I do in a way that I could explain it to an audience. I just can't communicate saying "First I do A which has 3 important sub parts then B etc...". I'd never be able to explain what I'm doing like this. It's cool seeing someone who can break their process down though.

[@feroxcious]

It's weird to see how much this applies to my work (as software developer) as well. I guess technical projects mostly fall into a certain pattern. Great talk!

[@jennyada1429]

That was so beautiful and moving, not to mention incredibly useful. Thank you for uploading this.

[@marksasahara1115]

20:50 : Sometimes I'll race to the end of a project just so I can paint it in a way that will annoy Jamie... They're both so good and so funny. I hope Jamie understands and enjoys the comedy gold he creates by being the straight man.

[@crazymansam0]

I'm actually going to screencap this comment so I can refer back to it when needed. Thank you for your kind words, friend. You too have helped me with this problem.

[@crazymansam0]

My whole life has been what Adam has described. I've been good at many many things but a master at none. I was always so down on myself for not being able to master a skill until I watched this video. I have now realized that my knowledge of various skills gives me an edge over someone that's a master in a few skills. Thank you, Adam, for helping me realize that critical thinking doesn't involve how much you know of one thing, but what you know as a collective.

[@WesMott1994]

The irony. "Location... wait, where am I?"

[@serge933]

Great speech from a great individual, shows his passion very brightly and his ideas and thoughts can easily be applied to any other individual with different tasks Its hard to find people like this now unfortunately, Im sure they are out there but just unexposed

[@Firstwho]

I really enjoyed his breakdown of challenge solving questions and how he addresses them I think his way of thinking can be easily applied for business and personal challenges. It was time well spent watching.

[@vanepico]

I could listen to this guy talk about anything, he is a true legend!

[@dkaczur4092]

[@somewhere615]

I feel like he just reached into my mind and made a speech about what he found there. I definitely can relate to what he said about the end of a project and how it isn't altogether happy. In fact, most of the time I am sad when I finish. It kind of feels like wow this represents 3 months of my life, and it really isn't that great.

[@77Avadon77]

He really gets it when it comes to building. You could put him on any team, on any kind of work and he would excel.

[@raider2661]

I've got a lot of respect for this guy. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I'm kind of trying to figure out what direction I want to take in life (and I'm pretty sure I want to avoid the mundane corporate grind). My strength is in music, writing, and problem solving, and I love to travel. Anybody have any advice for a guy like me?

[@PlasmaChannel]

Adam, you're brilliant. Never stop making.

[@razor774]

Yes. I would agree that I get in my own way much of the time when it comes to learning. And when I do things well, and begin a project, it is hard at times to pull myself away from it to say that it is completed.

[@kawikahokulani]

On the test of Jamie Hyneman, 'Drill a hole on the X', I wonder if anyone ever thought of using a drill so large, that the entire board is drilled away except for the very corners (since Jamie did not specify the size of the hole, just drill it on the X).

[@enderslayer404]

So just put it in a wood chipper?

[@kylefletcher3864]

Julian Rodriguez he said drill, not mulch.

[@BenX74]

21:06 so true, I experience the exact same thing. If you create, you will come to the point, when you hate your creation. Every. Single. Time!

[@QuantumNeutrino]

Adam Savage is one of the greatest geniuses of today.

[@logan2669]

I relate to adam so much...jack of all trades and master of one

[@mattvelthuizen4864]

I Am Nerd ? *none

[@logan2669]

Matt Velthuizen I meant one...

[@mattvelthuizen4864]

I Am Nerd ? ik im just making joke lol

[@logan2669]

Matt Velthuizen so was I...wanna be Friends (joke) lol

[@cragnog]

is that referring to when he completed the old saying?

[@DeathEgg666]

what a great bloke....a very good outlook on solving problems and completeing projects

[@AgentBoobimus]

Adam's such a wonderful speaker i wish i could sit in on one of his talks :)

[@chriskimmel4287]

He's an incredible speaker.

[@megaman161]

1:23 That was a truly fantastic description. I feel the same way sometimes.

[@mechamorafa]

As a DIYer, I was surprised to know how incredibly similar my work process is to Adam´s. Even the accomplishment feelings are the same.

[@zadeh79]

He is a creative genius. Most people nowadays just brag about their SAT scores.

[@artstsym]

Love how he wrote his name on the badge.

[@raider2661]

You ca tell he's really passionate about what he does, and that's awesome! At this point in my life, I'm hoping I can find a career that I can be passionate about.

[@SamIves85]

Agreed. Even musicians like the Beatles admitted that there was so much more they could have done to a track after it was released. I watched the full length video and found a lot of useful information :)

[@natedsamuelson]

Honestly sounds just like me. So cool to know that there are others like me. I wonder if this is why i've always enjoyed Mythbusters. We're important too, keep being awesome. :)

[@rlrsk8r1]

I'm guessing the "correct" answer to drilling a hole on the X is to ask for clarification. "What diameter? How deep? Where on the X?" Coming back with four holes is categorically wrong because "a hole" means one.

[@435now]

Technically you're both right.

[@bobbowerman1952]

It is not a test about the bigger picture. It is a test to see if the person will find out what is expected of them before starting the task.

[@Austinjamesmagic]

Is this the same guy that I saw put a bottle of soda on the lath at M5? I love Adam, he knows how to have a good time:p

[@NaihanchinKempo]

Its the Maker Fair. I'm guessing he was a key note speaker. The subject being problem solving, which we all do. but is a skill that is paramount in Myth Busters, as they need to make things from scratch. The skill of problem solving is useful.. useful in Business and manufacturing. useful in the Medical field and computer programming, plus sports ..it is useful in any endeavor.

[@ethanstaton642]

This is the first public speech I've seen after my dad having been a preacher, and it's funny to remember seeing all of the ticks you learn over time. I can dissect every movement of Adam's, and it's hilarious and annoying at the same time. Like, calm down brain, I know he did that, it doesn't matter.

[@ladder49isthebest1]

the most interesting educational speech ever

[@schwarzerritter5724]

I want to hear more about Jamie's "Drill a hole on the 'X' test".

[@Cronuz2]

do what you love, so you know you do your best.

[@SethHesio]

Seriously fascinating.

[@MrFootballFan55]

"There's always another project." Speak the truth, Adam.

[@9917jimmy]

your right because there prespective are alomst never the same i give you props!

[@Sadidas45]

A very good video to watch and listen to. I found it a little funny he got lost on the "Location" part of his speech.

[@YourUncleScroatie]

This is a true scientist/artist,his main focus is truth versus his own human frailty. Truth about nature and his place in it. Selfless pursuit of the truth...whilst all the while,keeping his boss in business. Be afraid,be very afraid,slackers and posers!

[@Zutraxi]

This was actually really helpful.

[@captainpower5308]

his name is Savage. I liked him. but now I like him even more. I also love the Villain Vandal Savage. Just by the way. I think I like the word Savage despite of its meaning.

[@kostiapizhon]

Great speech!

[@SirRGijsbers]

I am busy with 2 lughtsaber-hilts and now I am thinking "should i build only the hilds or should I make light and sound effects? and maybe a saber that could light up?"

[@mattmun12]

I'm very similar to him, I just want to try everything and never have really focused completely on one thing to become an expert at it.

[@YourUncleScroatie]

When I used to refinish furniture,I was occasionally allowed to ask the lady customers..."What do you want?" "Make it beautiful" was their response,so,that's what I did.

[@bananian]

omg I am in the exact situation you are in. I am currently trying out stand up comedy and it's so far pretty satisfying, but I don't know where it will take me at all.

[@raykaelin]

Knowing what you want brings you closer to knowing what to do. Do you know more definitively what you want (vs. what you don't want). Just a question. I wish you well.

[@andyrooney12]

I chuckled a bit when as soon as he got to the word "location" he lost his place and asked, "Wait a second, where am I?" :)

[@supahsekzy]

I'm curious to hear more about drilling a hole on the X thing.

[@lifehacker123]

man, i wish i could have a nice discussion with this man. i would really like to know what he thinks about my way of problem solving.

[@Gobbink]

Adam is a good speaker but it seems like he may have been unprepared for this one. Too many times he would say "twofold" and list three things, etc. What an amazing mind, though. Definitely can relate. How cool to see such success come from a dude like this. Yesss.

[@BigMacnCheese]

Wow this helped me. Even though I dont work with anything simillar to him.

[@Dinglebarriez]

Awesome i love listening to Adam. The Mythbusters are too cool! Great talk!

[@keanwcful]

I increased the speed of this video because of his speech. :D

[@halfdippedcom]

That was absolutely awesome you are an inspiration to us all. Is there a book that you have written on this subject. Or one that you would suggest?

[@supahsekzy]

Seems like a test in "outside the box" thinking, but in every other context I can imagine, "Where on the X" you drill the hole is the center of where the two lines intersect. In the video, he makes it seem like you would expect everyone to drill where the two lines intersect, but instead he gets a number of different, unintuitive results.

[@BadMadChicken]

Context starts at 0:00

[@ratherthanlater]

at 6:35

[@jackbrightside]

THANKS BRO!

[@fullfist]

what a legend .

[@GeetarAdam]

Dunning-Kruger effect. I agree completely with Adam.

[@jlga100]

Hello guy! I´m your fan and I really like your videos and your experiements in the "Mithbusters" I´m a speedcuber from Portugal. I know you had a video about the rubik´s cube, but I really wich you do a new one to talk about it! Tanks for reading!

[@LMB9888]

Save to favorites

[@christopherscheu1448]

great speach

[@GeetarAdam]

Good talk but the poor audio recording detracted from it.

[@dandymcgee]

Check your speakers, audio sounds great to me.

[@robertcampbell2117]

+GeetarAdam I agree with dandymcgee. Audio sounded great on my end as well.

[@GeetarAdam]

dandymcgee I was listening on monitors designed for sound-engineering, so I doubt it's a hardware issue on my end. Don't really remember what it was that I found problematic. Just listened again and it sounds okay, so maybe my ears were just fatigued from mixing a song for hours or something.

[@robertcampbell2117]

Maybe render or network issue too

[@GeetarAdam]

Robert Campbell Quite possible. I had just built a new system when I left this comment and did have a few gremlins in my system to work out.

[@MrClickity]

I have a different reaction when that box comes up. I just keep wondering "What did he say? WHAT DID HE SAY?!"

[@PatrickFestaPatman]

ADAM! You claim to "Only play A scientist on TV". But In my eyes; you are in fact a "Scientist"

[@alberich3099]

noo!! he's an engineer :P someone who utelises sience to change the world around him to his will. that is a bit different than beeing a scientist.

[@drunkenmuse]

Just consider yourself working on becoming a master of being good at many things - it's called a generalist! Besides being good on it's own it's also something that (depending on the skills involved) can help specialists of different fields work better together. Just compare it to people with other skills than your own - Who's got an "edge" comparing a person fluent in 2 languages to a person intermediate in 20 languages? Answer: None, it's situational!

[@MarzJonp]

I'm more towards Electronics and Computer Science. But I'm on the same boat.

[@bobfed12]

iin the description theres a link to the full video, its probably there

[@mrkasirye]

Link to full video please?

[@woofer2121]

is there a reson i am seeing alot of the same videos on TED and FORA?

[@concretefeet]

'Location' is an amusing place to get lost reading your speech :D

[@ResonatedBeauty]

Questions to ask: 7:10

[@qqqqqqqqqqqqqqfaf]

Savage

[@deelkar]

There are a couple of very weird edits in this, why not avail yourself of the capabilities of this platform and upload a full version, uncut?

[@Corristo89]

Adam and Jamie are both excellent at solving problems, but I always found Adam's approach frustratingly and needlessly complex. Jamie on the other hand tries to solve problems by making as little effort as possible, avoiding anything unnecessary or flashy which would only become a potential point of failure.

[@frilink]

Good

[@NikosiaMateas]

I did this test in high school shop class, as a test about following instructions. You need ask WHERE on the X he wants the hole drilled... If you don't ask, you fail the test.

[@JTWBat]

I love it when the "This comment no longer exists." box comes up, you destroyed them so bad that they had to delete their own comment. well played sir.

[@Dennio83]

one small remark if I may.. Theres no such thing as focusing ones attention. Theres no such thing as attention. There only is focus. The first clue that exposes this is in the saying "pay attention!" See, nobody wants to pay anything, you know like paying taxes/bills/tickets/tabs, you name it. And so now they even want you to pay this attention! Not with money of course but with one of the most valuable powers you actually possess: focus. Never pay with focus, invest it by commitment, develop!

[@owenotley]

yes, yes it was.

[@jimtayler555]

I love mythbusters!

[@ImaginationHobbies]

That's so odd because I did the same thing from that age span

[@richard2mitchell]

WRONG....that comes up when the youtuber (the poster of this vid) deletes it .....if the dude who posted the comment deleted his own comment it would say * comment witheld by author*....

[@leerman22]

@americanbandwidth a dash to the bathroom?

[@SethHesio]

Adam is awesome. His hair sort of baffles me though.. up until like 7 or 8 years ago he had very short orange hair and now it's like long and bouncy and blonde. Anyone else notice that change? He must have a very good product or have it treated or something. Or perhaps I'm insane. Still great video, very inspiring. Such important advice.

[@idaosbornfrandsen7162]

Age. When people with orange or red hair get grey, they actually get white. Then, I guess the very short style looked too bare in the new paler colour so he let it grow?

[@DrRChandra]

I think part of the attraction of MythBusters is not just the final result(s), but how those results were obtained. Ex.: you could've just smashed two cars, one at 50 the other at 100, but until you were sure of the physics using the clay and hammers (worth a few dollars), you could've wasted hundreds or thousands on vehicles and a remote shoot and been no closer to a (correct) result.

[@PCGamerPortal]

reinassance man