with the goal that the last step to having a plan is made by the student. He maintains that just showing students a plan, no matter how good it is, does not help them. Third principle: Carry out the plan This step is usually easier than devising the plan. In general, all you need is care and patience, given that you have the necessary skills. Persist with the plan that you have chosen. If it continues not to work, discard it and choose another. Don't be misled; this is how mathematics is done, even by professionals. Fourth principle: Review/extend Pólya mentions that much can be gained by taking the time to reflect and look back at what you have done, what worked and what did not, and with thinking about other problems where this could be useful. Doing this will enable you to predict what strategy to use to solve future problems, if these relate to the original problem. Heuristics The book contains a dictionary-style set of heuristics, many of which have to do with generating a more accessible problem. For example: Influence The book has been translated into several languages and has sold over a million copies, and has been continuously in print since its first publication. Marvin Minsky said in his paper Steps Toward Artificial Intelligence that "everyone should know the work of George Pólya on how to solve problems." Pólya's book has had a large influence on mathematics textbooks as evidenced by the bibliographies for mathematics education. Russian inventor Genrich Altshuller developed an elaborate set of methods for problem solving known as TRIZ, which in many aspects reproduces or parallels Pólya's work. How to Solve it by Computer is a computer science book by R. G. Dromey. It was inspired by Pólya's work. See also Heuristic How to Solve it by Computer Inventor's paradox Notes References External links More information on Pólya can be found here. Softpanorama page about the value of the book in programming 1945 non-fiction books Heuristics Mathematics books Mathematics education Problem solving Princeton University Press books Self-help books