reminds me of the Feynman Algorithm [1]:

    1. Write down the problem.
    2. Think real hard.
    3. Write down the solution.

[1] http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?FeynmanAlgorithm

It's very easy to forget the first step :-)

It's the secret to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_duck_debugging

And the second...

That's actually the tricky bit, because often you're just thinking really hard that you're thinking really hard about the problem.

Or thinking about the wrong attack, and giving up. Or just thinking hard about how to define something... Or... Research is hard.

And the third can be a real strain on the wrist.

Yes, and rewriting is the real pain, actually.

What is it about this quote that makes you feel it should be cited throughout future history? Just curious.

It seems some people think being reminded to think is profound.

Because there is always the danger of forgetting to think and getting lost in a thoughtless state.