Lateral Thinking for Every Day

01

What is lateral thinking?

Edward de Bono used the term ‘lateral thinking’ in contrast to conventional or vertical thinking. In conventional thinking we go forward in a predictable, direct fashion. Lateral thinking involves coming at the problem from new directions – literally from the side. It enables us to conceive new possibilities and creative solutions to problems large and small. It is a fundamental component of innovation.

De Bono defined the four main aspects of lateral thinking as:

1. The recognition of dominant polarizing ideas.

2. The search for different ways of looking at things.

3. A relaxation of the rigid control of vertical thinking.

4. The use of chance.

There are dominant ideas in every walk of life. They are the assumptions, rules ...