A new framework on LessWrong maps thirty-one recurring problem structures—each with its own built-in resistance to solution. Some problems, like the 'Smashed Watch,' can't be solved piecemeal; you need to fix everything at once. Others like the 'Death Spiral' generate cascading new issues even as you solve the original. The insight isn't just cataloging failure modes—it's that recognizing a problem's structure can reshape your approach. A problem that feels impossible might simply be the wrong type for your current solution method. Understanding these patterns could change how we tackle resilience and systems design.

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