Ernő Rubik

If You Are Curious, You Will Find the Puzzles Around You. If You Are Determined, You Will Solve Them

January 18, 2026 · 6 min read

“If You Are Curious, You Will Find the Puzzles Around You. If You Are Determined, You Will Solve Them”

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Ernő Rubik is a household name. He invented the famous Rubik’s Cube. However, his genius extends far beyond mechanical engineering. He also possesses a deep understanding of the human mind. The famous saying, “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if you are determined, you will solve them,” captures his philosophy perfectly. It breaks success down into two essential components. First, you need curiosity. Second, you need determination.

Many people view puzzles as simple toys. Rubik sees them differently. To him, they are fundamental tools for growth. They reveal our creative potential. This perspective transforms a plastic cube into a life lesson. It teaches us how to approach the world. We must open our eyes to find challenges. Then, we must have the grit to overcome them. Understanding the “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if quote origin” helps us appreciate Rubik’s deeper message about human potential.

If You Are Curious You Will Find

Tracing the Origins of the Wisdom

Where did this famous saying originate? Internet quotes are often misattributed. Fortunately, researchers have tracked this specific statement. The evidence points directly to Rubik. Specifically, the website Quote Investigator (QI) conducted a thorough search. They found the “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if quote origin” in circulation prior to 2020.

Significant evidence appeared in May 2014. At that time, the Rubik’s Cube celebrated its 40th anniversary. Google marked the occasion with an interactive Doodle. Consequently, media outlets rushed to cover the story. The Christian Science Monitor published a feature piece. In this article, the reporter attributed these words to Rubik. The piece highlighted that the Cube’s legacy involves confidence. It teaches users to face obstacles without fear.

Additional Early Sightings

Other publications validated this timeline. During that same month, the Express in London ran a similar story. They interviewed key figures in the community. For example, they spoke to Daniel Sheppard. He served as the President of the UK Cube Association. The article discussed why the puzzle remains popular. It then quoted Rubik directly regarding curiosity and determination.

Two years later, the quote entered the literary world. Dan Lovaglia included it in his 2016 book. The book is titled Relational Children’s Ministry. Lovaglia used Rubik’s words to explain his own views. He wanted to inspire readers to fix broken situations. This proves the “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if quote origin” had gained traction. It moved beyond toy enthusiasts and into educational circles.

Definitive Proof of Authorship

Circumstantial evidence is strong. However, direct confirmation is better. We received this confirmation in 2020. Rubik published his own memoir that year. The book is titled Cubed: The Puzzle of Us.

The Quote Origin and True Meaning

Rubik uses the quote prominently in his own writing. This removes any doubt. He definitely owns these sentiments. The publication of his memoir solidified the “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if quote origin” as authentic.

One detail remains interesting. Rubik is Hungarian. He likely formulated this thought in his native language first. Therefore, the English version is a translation. This might explain why earlier English citations are rare. The original Hungarian phrasing may date back much further. Regardless, the message remains clear and powerful.

The First Step: Curiosity

Why does Rubik list curiosity first? You cannot solve a problem you do not see. Curiosity acts as a filter for our reality. Without it, the world seems flat and mundane. Conversely, a curious mind sees texture and depth.

Rubik suggests that puzzles are everywhere. Most people simply walk past them. A curious person stops and looks closer. They ask questions. They wonder how things work. This is what the saying “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if” means—you must actively seek out challenges.

For instance, consider a broken clock. To some, it is trash. To a curious person, it is a mystery. They want to know why it stopped. This mindset turns the world into a playground. It reveals the “puzzles around you.” Therefore, curiosity is the spark. It initiates the process of discovery.

How Curiosity and Determination Shape Success

The Second Step: Determination

Finding a puzzle is only the beginning. Solving it requires a different set of skills. This is where determination enters the equation. Rubik emphasizes that curiosity alone is insufficient. You also need the will to persist.

Real puzzles are difficult. They frustrate us. They test our patience. Rubik experienced this firsthand. He did not solve his own invention immediately. In fact, he spent a full month solving his prototype. He faced failure repeatedly. Yet, he refused to quit. This exemplifies the second part of his wisdom: “if you are determined, you will solve them.”

Determination bridges the gap between questions and answers. It keeps us moving when the path is unclear. Without determination, curiosity is just a fleeting thought. With it, curiosity becomes a breakthrough.

Applying the Philosophy

This advice applies to more than just games. It applies to business, relationships, and science. Entrepreneurs need curiosity to find market gaps. Then, they need determination to build solutions. Similarly, scientists need curiosity to ask new questions. They need determination to run experiments. The principle behind “if you are curious, you will find the puzzles around you. if you are determined, you will solve them” transcends the Rubik’s Cube.

Rubik gave us a colorful cube. But he also gave us a roadmap for success. We must nurture our sense of wonder. We must also strengthen our resolve. If we do both, we will solve the puzzles around us.