FORTUNE -- It may come across as a humble four-letter word, but the world has changed many times over on account of a simple “idea.” Goethe said that "daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward: they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game." I spent four days at the World Economic Forum in Davos in pursuit of promising ideas.

As the winter sets in, "See you at Davos!" becomes a staple sign-off greeting. I have always wondered if it's a status statement or a hidden question to check if you belong. The reason is apparent.

FORTUNE -- A day before I left for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), a TV crew interviewed me for a curtain raiser on the event. “What’s your wish for WEF Davos this year?” the journalist asked me in our warm-up conversation. “I wish it’s a bit more boring this year,” I said. Well, let’s just say she did not cancel the interview but our coffees went cold.

As we call curtains on a tumultuous 2011, we have certainly learned one lesson: Solving the problems encountered this year was no child's play. Or was it?

“Do you think they’ll resolve this political gridlock?” “Did you update your Facebook status yet?” “Do you think this fiscal cliff could be a reality?” “Wow! Take a look at this tweet!” “Cut it out! It’s our money on the line…” “Ok, but let me just reply to this text first!