There are many possible means to reach solutions to the problems of the world, but none of them has worked, at least so far. We review some of these means and consider how and why they have failed. One of these means is the deployment of critical thinking. Critical thinking proves to be necessary for properly addressing and solving the problems of the world, but it is not sufficient. Multiple people can think critically and yet come to different and even opposing conclusions. The reason is that at each step in problem-solving, metacomponents (executive processes) can lead critical thinkers in different directions. Most importantly, critical thinkers may frame problems differently, leading to radically different outcomes. We suggest that five simple principles of folk wisdom may help people to reach better solutions than they have in the past.