# generate_then_search

> The fundamental pattern for making cognitive tasks tractable:

- Author: Benjamin Ward
- Repository: benjam3n/GOSM
- Version: 20260127091712
- Stars: 0
- Forks: 0
- Last Updated: 2026-02-06
- Source: https://github.com/benjam3n/GOSM
- Web: https://mule.run/skillshub/@@benjam3n/GOSM~generate_then_search:20260127091712

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name: generate_then_search
description: "The fundamental pattern for making cognitive tasks tractable:"
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# Generate-Then-Search Meta-Pattern

## Overview
The fundamental pattern for making cognitive tasks tractable:

1. GENERATE a comprehensive space of possibilities
2. SEARCH within that space using well-defined criteria

Key insights:
- The intelligence is in the CRITERIA, not the search
- Generation can be constrained to exclude obviously bad options
- Comparison/selection is easier than generation from scratch
- Matching to criteria requires less intelligence than judgment

This pattern applies to:
- Interpretation (generate interpretations → search for best)
- Prediction (generate futures → search for likely/optimal)
- Communication (generate expressions → search for clearest)
- Reasoning (generate inferences → search for valid)
- Creativity (generate novelty → search for valuable)
- Understanding (generate models → search for fitting)
- Planning (generate plans → search for optimal)

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**Input**: $ARGUMENTS

Apply this procedure to the input provided.