"I rather like mysteries. But I do dislike muddles"

This quote by David Lean speaks with the concept that while he delights in the difficulty of solving a mystery, he does not take pleasure in the confusion and turmoil that typically accompany it. He is recommending that he chooses the procedure of unwinding a mystery to the messiness of the situation that created it. This could be translated as a metaphor for life in general, as Lean is recommending that he prefers the process of understanding and fixing a problem to the chaos and confusion that frequently accompany it. He is likewise recommending that he is an individual who delights in the challenge of solving a problem, but does not take pleasure in the messiness of the situation that created it. This might be seen as a reflection of Lean's character, as he is someone who delights in the challenge of solving an issue, however does not enjoy the messiness of the circumstance that produced it.