Yet it looks as if the thing we use to solve our problems with is the source of our problems. It's like going to the doctor and having him make you ill. In fact, in 20% of medical cases we do apparently have that going on. But in the case of thought, its far over 20%.

In this quote, David Bohm, a theoretical physicist known for his work on quantum mechanics, is reflecting on the paradox that the very tools we use to solve problems—thought and reasoning—often become the source of those problems. He likens it to visiting a doctor who ends up making you ill instead of healing you. Bohm is pointing out that while we rely on thought to navigate and address our challenges, this same process can sometimes create new difficulties, particularly when it becomes rigid or disconnected from reality. He further suggests that in medical practice, we recognize that doctors themselves can sometimes contribute to illness (in the form of errors or misdiagnosis), but when it comes to thought, the problem is far more pervasive, affecting a much larger portion of our lives.

Bohm’s comment is a critique of the way we often use mental frameworks and preconceptions to interpret the world, which can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and miscommunication. He’s drawing attention to the limitations of thought as a tool for solving problems. While thought is necessary for understanding and problem-solving, Bohm suggests it can also become a hindrance when it's not examined or when it leads to narrow or rigid thinking. His mention of 20% in the medical context is likely a reference to iatrogenic illness, or harm caused by medical treatment, highlighting the irony that the solutions meant to help can also cause harm.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Bohm’s broader philosophical ideas about the nature of consciousness and perception. Throughout his career, Bohm was concerned with how human beings interpret the world and how these interpretations can often be fragmented or flawed. His work in quantum theory and his collaboration with J. Krishnamurti on exploring the nature of thought and perception shaped his views on how our thinking can both solve and create problems. Bohm was interested in the ways in which our thought processes shape our understanding of the world and the limitations these processes impose.

Ultimately, Bohm's quote calls for a deeper awareness and reflection on the role of thought in our lives. It urges us to recognize that while our mental faculties are crucial for problem-solving, they can also become barriers if not kept in check. His work challenges us to think about thinking itself—encouraging us to step outside the confines of habitual patterns of thought and engage in more holistic and open-minded ways of understanding the world.