Comment by Ar-Curunir
3 hours ago
> And simply knowing a problem can be solved is half the battle.
Have you done any mathematical research? If not, then no, knowing that a problem is solvable is not “half the battle”.
Homework problems are all designed to be solvable, yet they can vary greatly in difficulty. Research mathematics is even more extreme, because, unlike with homework, you don’t know that it is solvable with the extant mathematics, and you might need to invent new maths.
You're taking the phrase too literally. The point is that knowing a solution is possible gives you the conviction to actually find that solution. The hardest part of solving a problem is often a lack of conviction to see it through, and quitting too early. Once you know a solution exists, you can commit maximal effort towards solving it and know that your efforts are not in vain.
If not for the rumors that A/ had already solved NS, OAI would likely never have pursued solving the problem with such fervour. The rumors drove OAI to assemble an entire team to crack this.