The Eureka Hunt

The July 28, 2008 New Yorker had a fascinating article on insight, titled "The Eureka Hunt". Unfortunately, it is not available online. My favorite quote:

In his 1908 essay "Mathematical Creation," Poincaré insisted that the best way to think about complex problems is to immerse yourself in the problem until you hit an impasse. Then, when it seems that "nothing good is accomplished," you should find a way to distract yourself, preferably by going on a "walk or a journey." The answer will arrive when you least expect it. Richard Feynman, the Nobel Prize-winning Physicist, preferred the relaxed atmosphere of a topless bar, where he would sip 7 UP, "watch the entertainment," and, if inspiration struck, scribble equations on cocktail napkins.

How wonderful! Now I have a license to procrastinate!

(A rival view can be found here.)