“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”
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Attribution note
No reliable primary or scholarly source confirms this exact wording as Albert Einstein's. It is widely circulated under his name and is listed as commonly attributed.
Likely origin: Physique, philosophie, politique
About this quote
This wording, beginning "If I had an hour to solve a problem and…," circulates under Einstein's name and focuses on solve, problem, depended. No strong source for the exact text was found, so the page presents it as commonly attributed while still explaining its practical connection to life and perseverance.
When to use it
- Use "If I had an hour to solve a problem and…" in a life discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of solve with problem in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.