Not Every Problem is a Nail

Engineers and others in STEM fields often equate their technical problem-solving skills with personal value, leading to difficulty when faced with complex, subjective issues. This cognitive bias encourages them to simplify challenges into solvable problems, as their identity is closely tied to their ability to find solutions. The inclination to reduce multifaceted human experiences to mathematical equations stems from a desire to avoid confronting the limits of their intelligence and maintain their self-esteem.