Meaning: The quote by Theodor Adorno, a German philosopher, is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of modern thinking and its relationship to problem-solving. Adorno was a critical theorist associated with the Frankfurt School, known for his work on the culture industry, authoritarianism, and the dialectics of Enlightenment. His quote suggests that in contemporary society, thought has become distorted and reduced to the mere act of solving assigned problems, to the extent that even aspects of life that are not explicitly assigned as problems are approached and processed as such.

The first part of the quote, "Because thought has by now been perverted into the solving of assigned problems," highlights the transformation of thought from a free, creative process into a utilitarian one, solely focused on addressing predetermined issues. This transformation reflects a broader shift in the way individuals engage with the world, where the emphasis is placed on finding solutions to specific problems rather than engaging in open-ended, exploratory thinking. Adorno's use of the word "perverted" suggests a sense of distortion or corruption, indicating that this reductive approach to thought is a departure from its true nature.

The second part of the quote, "even what is not assigned is processed like a problem," extends the idea of this perversion of thought. Here, Adorno suggests that the problem-solving mentality has become so ingrained in modern thinking that it extends beyond the realm of assigned tasks or explicit challenges. In other words, individuals have become conditioned to approach all aspects of life, including those that are not designated as problems, with the same problem-solving mindset. This pervasive attitude may lead to a dehumanizing and reductive view of the world, where everything is approached as a puzzle to be solved rather than experienced or contemplated.

Adorno's critique can be understood in the context of the broader societal and cultural trends that emerged in the 20th century. The rise of industrialization, scientific management, and the increasing emphasis on efficiency and productivity in all aspects of life has led to a utilitarian mindset that prioritizes problem-solving and instrumental rationality. In this context, the value of thought and contemplation for their own sake has been diminished, giving way to a narrow focus on practical outcomes and solutions.

Adorno's quote invites reflection on the implications of this perversion of thought. It raises questions about the consequences of reducing thought to a problem-solving exercise and the impact on creativity, critical thinking, and human experience. Furthermore, it points to the potential dehumanizing effect of approaching all aspects of life as problems to be solved, rather than embracing the complexities and nuances of existence.

In conclusion, Theodor Adorno's quote provides a thought-provoking critique of the contemporary mindset that reduces thought to the solving of assigned problems and processes all aspects of life as problems to be solved. It invites us to consider the implications of this perversion of thought and its impact on human experience, creativity, and critical thinking. Adorno's insights continue to be relevant in today's society, prompting us to examine the nature of our thinking and its relationship to problem-solving in a world increasingly shaped by utilitarian values.