Lateral Thinking

Outline

Lateral Thinking (1970) introduces a way of thinking designed to generate new ideas by approaching problems from unexpected angles. Edward de Bono contrasts it with logical, step-by-step thinking, and explains techniques such as challenging assumptions, using random words to spark ideas, and looking for alternatives. The book includes exercises that help readers become more creative in work, school, and daily life.

• Lateral thinking generates new ideas by approaching a problem from unexpected angles instead of following the obvious path.
• De Bono sets lateral thinking against logical, step-by-step thinking and treats them as two different ways of working through a problem.
• Challenging the assumptions you hold about a problem can open up solutions you had not considered.
• A random word can spark fresh ideas by pushing your thinking in a direction it would not normally take.
• Deliberately looking for alternatives, even when one answer seems good enough, is a habit the book teaches through exercises.

Edward de Bono (1933–2021) was a Maltese physician, psychologist, and author who coined the term lateral thinking. He wrote more than eighty books on creative thinking, which were translated into many languages, and taught thinking skills to companies and schools around the world. His best-known works include Lateral Thinking and Six Thinking Hats.