Throughout the entire educational period, we are told what the correct data is, the relevant conclusions that we can draw based on it, and the exact way in which we can make these deductions. We learn to formulate judgments at each step and then to put the label "no". We learn how to say "no", "it's not like that", "it can't be like that", "this doesn't follow from here", "you're wrong here", "it would never work", "this is not a reason" and so on. The danger lies in the arrogant attitude of presuming that vertical thinking is sufficient.

The advocate of lateral thinking states: "I search, but I don't know what I'm searching for until I find it."

Vertical thinking is important as it helps us to analyze and solve problems in a structured and logical way. However, it has its limitations. It may prevent us from seeing alternative solutions or from thinking outside the box. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, encourages us to explore new ideas and perspectives, to break free from traditional思维模式, and to come up with creative solutions to problems. By combining both vertical and lateral thinking, we can enhance our problem-solving abilities and become more effective thinkers.

3/5 audiobook.

Insight, creativity, and humour have the power to enhance and improve ideas. Our minds have a natural inclination to create patterns in order to simplify and make sense of the world around us.

In contrast to vertical thinking, which is more linear and focused on finding the one correct solution, lateral thinking is generative. It is not simply supportive like vertical thinking but rather encourages the exploration of new and different perspectives. These two types of thinking are complementary, and having skill in both is essential.

Education has traditionally relied heavily on vertical thinking. However, lateral thinking, like logical thinking, is a frame of mind that can be developed and nurtured through the practice of specific techniques and the use of appropriate tools. One of the challenges with vertical thinking is the pressure to always be right.

Brainstorming is an important activity, and the entry point can have a significant impact on the direction of the train of thought. Additionally, our attention can sometimes be passive, and it needs to be sharpened and refined. The last portion of the book delves extensively into the concept of Po, which requires further review and understanding.

Overall, understanding and incorporating both vertical and lateral thinking can lead to more innovative and effective problem-solving and idea generation.

I've always had a strong desire to enhance my lateral thinking skills. I suspect that some childish part within me was yearning for immediate satisfaction, thinking that by simply reading this book, presto! I'd become a lateral thinker. Of course, that's not the case. It's something that requires daily effort, even if it's just for 5 minutes a day. (This should be added to the list of things one should do every day for at least five minutes, such as stretching, meditating, napping, etc.) I suppose the book was okay. I got a bit bored when going through the exercises. [These seem more like suggestions for a teacher and aren't entirely optimized for solo work, although one could probably figure it out on their own.]

I must admit that the chapter on the word 'Po' really angered me. The artificiality of it grated on my nerves so strongly that I actually wanted to throw the book (a library book, mind you!) out the bus window.

However, he then follows it up with a very nice chapter on being 'blocked by openness'. Having these blind spots that result from suboptimal solutions is a common occurrence.

Notes to future Eric: The difference between vertical (logical) and lateral thinking is perhaps like the difference between depth-first and breadth-first search? Or hill climbing versus mutation? You need both. Clichés can be useful. Self-reinforcing patterns and laziness (vertical) have their merits! You can't just sit around disrupting everything all day; otherwise, you'll never get anything done. That being said, sometimes you确实 need to shake things up, break free from a dead-end, and that's where lateral thinking becomes useful. It's not about being right or wrong, but rather about being different and generating alternatives. Use vertical thinking later to sort through the junk. Suspending judgment is also important.

Remember the concept of being blocked by openness.

Argh, now I'm frustrated. I wish I could attend a lateral thinking class or read something that wasn't written by De Bono (and not something overly fluffy or marketing-oriented either).

A difficult card to follow until the end, but very useful for those who are active in creative fields (design, architecture, software testing, etc.) or in education. If in the introductory chapters it presents what lateral thinking is and what it is not, in the chapter about the word PO it presents the techniques by which it can be applied (I would especially refer to this chapter to remind myself how lateral thinking can be used).

Lateral thinking is a crucial concept that can bring about innovative solutions and ideas. It challenges the traditional way of thinking and encourages us to look at problems from different perspectives. For those in creative fields, it can be a game-changer, helping them to break free from the constraints of conventional thinking and come up with unique and original designs or concepts.

In education, lateral thinking can also be extremely beneficial. It can help students to develop their problem-solving skills, think outside the box, and become more creative and innovative thinkers. By learning the techniques of lateral thinking, students can be better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that they will face in the future.

Lateral thinking is a crucial concept that plays a significant role in our cognitive processes.

It is not in opposition to vertical thinking but rather serves as a means to test and update the conventional patterns and ideas established through vertical thinking.

Given our natural inclination to adhere to long-held beliefs and assumptions, lateral thinking compels us to view things from novel angles and reevaluate any deeply ingrained ideas.

Techniques centered around descriptions, design, and problem-solving can effectively initiate lateral thinking in ways that are accessible and beneficial to everyone.

One actionable piece of advice is to use "Po" instead of "Yes" and "No".

This linguistic tool helps suspend judgment and makes us more receptive to unconventional ideas.

By using "Po", we can encourage the consideration of ideas that may initially seem illogical or absurd.

For example, during a brainstorming session, if someone starts to push back or say "No" to a suggestion, we can interject with "Po..." to remind the team that all ideas are welcome.

We can also begin a suggestion with "Po" to signal our embrace of lateral thinking.

The more frequently "Po" is used, the more effective it becomes as a tool.

In conclusion, lateral thinking is essential for rethinking and updating our entrenched patterns.

It allows us to break free from the limitations of our established ways of thinking and explore new possibilities.

By incorporating techniques like using "Po" and being open to unconventional ideas, we can enhance our creative and innovative capabilities and find better solutions to problems.

Great concepts, examples, and projects are presented in this book to assist individuals and groups in understanding lateral thinking.

It goes beyond merely understanding what it is and provides tools for encouraging, embracing, and enhancing the capacity for generating more ideas, free from the binary limitations of vertical thinking.

Personally, I have always had a penchant for being right. This book highlights the significance, even the criticality, of vertical thinking, which is based on biases, recognized patterns, and the grouping of concepts into single objects. However, it also emphasizes the importance of lateral thinking and the generation of ideas without the fear of their correctness or plausibility. Specifically, the understanding that correct answers can emerge from unexpected sources and may have unknown benefits is repeatedly emphasized in this book.

As a cautionary note, there are a few aspects that I found to be different. One aspect is that the writing sometimes makes the reader feel like a character. I was astonished at how repetitive the statements referring to "one," meaning someone, one person, or the reader, became. It was a bit distracting for me personally. Additionally, at the end, there is an attempt to create a new word, "po," between yes and no. While I think I understand the concept, it didn't really resonate with me, and I don't envision myself using it. Nevertheless, I do like how the idea of creating a whole new superstate between yes and no, which feels almost quantum-like, is quite interesting and challenges us to suspend judgment or delay decisions.

Overall, it is a good read and a great reference when seeking ways to generate ideas without suppressing them due to embarrassment, bias, or haste.

Practical, straightforward, to the point. I remember taking notes and the creativity techniques are really good. I remember having used some in the past future (that is, from 2020 onwards, and this of writing so much in the future - well, 2025, which will be the past in 2050 - is strange).

Overall, it is a very good book for copywriters, creatives, and publicists in general. Surely, from my point of view, it is a necessary one.

This book offers practical and useful insights into the world of creativity and writing. The techniques presented are not only easy to understand but also applicable in real-life situations. Whether you are a professional copywriter looking to improve your skills or a creative individual seeking new ways to express yourself, this book has something for everyone.

The author's direct and concise writing style makes it a pleasure to read. You won't find any fluff or unnecessary filler here. Instead, you'll get straight to the heart of the matter and learn valuable tips and tricks that you can start using right away.

In conclusion, if you're serious about improving your creativity and writing abilities, I highly recommend this book. It's a must-read for anyone in the field of advertising, marketing, or any other creative discipline.

# Frankómetro: 90%

The book could have been named "Outside the box". It is recommended by Steve Jobs. Read it if you liked the creative impulse of Goleman.

Edward de Bono is one of the most productive authors on the topics of creativity, innovation, and lateral thinking. The concept of lateral thinking is omnipresent today, but in the 80s and 90s, it was novel... and it has been transforming ever since.

This book - its cover doesn't lie - is a pedagogical manual, closer to the educational axis than to the popularizing one. It is full of psychological theory and actionable exercises to generate paths of creativity through lateral thinking, which, when added to classic logical thinking, opens new doors of dialogue, creation, and innovation.

For de Bono, creativity has a magical and natural component, but it can also be unlocked through mechanisms and systems applicable in the company or the classroom. Just like his other classic, "Six Thinking Hats", this is one that must be read, reflected upon, and returned to constantly.

For me, it is a discovery that adds the author to my list of great popularizers of the 20th century.

The style of this book is extremely cut and dry, and it truly adheres to an academic tone.

As you read it, you'll have the distinct impression that you're perusing an academic paper.

I've recently completed watching the popular TV series titled The Good Place. In that show, there's a character named Chidi Anagonye, who is an ethics professor. However, he is also incredibly rigid and indecisive. He can never arrive at a single idea and continuously circles around.

This book is very much like that. It's so糟糕 that I had expected to glean some knowledge from it. Instead, it only serves to frustrate you because the writer persistently presents and explains an idea, only to refute them in the subsequent paragraph. It's a lot like watching Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, where he kills off your favorite character just as you start to like him or her.

This is by far the worst self-help book I've ever read!

Wonderful book for developing Creativity in Kids. This book is truly a gem when it comes to nurturing the creative side of children. It offers a plethora of engaging activities and exercises that can inspire kids to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas. Wish more schools have this in the curriculum for High School kids. By incorporating such a book into the curriculum, students would have the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop skills that are essential in today's rapidly changing world. We could have more innovators in the world if this skill is nurtured. Nurturing creativity from an early age can lay the foundation for a future generation of thinkers and doers who are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

I highly recommend this to people in the Teaching profession who want to bring out the bright side in almost any kid who doesn't want to go by the book. This book provides practical strategies and techniques that teachers can use to engage students and激发 their creativity. There are practice sessions in the book for small and large groups to help achieve the objective. These practice sessions are designed to be fun and interactive, allowing students to work together and learn from each other. Whether you are a seasoned teacher or a new educator, this book is a must-have resource for developing creativity in your students.

Interesanta abordare.

However, I am not convinced that thinking can be divided so absolutely into two types. It seems that I am starting to apply lateral thinking.

The mental exercises that involved rearranging geometric shapes (crude, explanatory visual elements) were extremely challenging and well thought out. Lateral thinking is similar to the expression "thinking outside the box", a good reminder to deny and rearrange the "status quo" of anything.

"When we think vertically, we use information as it is to move towards a solution. When we think laterally, we do not use the information for its intrinsic value, but as a challenge, to determine a restructuring of the models."

"The danger lies in the arrogant attitude of assuming that vertical thinking is sufficient. It is not. Focusing exclusively on always being right completely blocks creativity and progress."

"The purpose of fractionation is to free oneself from the inhibiting unity of a rigid model and move towards a regenerative solution, in which we have multiple fractions."

"The inverse method: In Aesop's fable, the water level in the vase was too low for the bird to drink. The bird was thinking about how to get the water out, but instead, the idea came to it to put something in the container. So it threw pebbles into the vase until the water level rose enough for it to drink."

"At the end of the evaluation session (brainstorming), we should have 3 lists:

- ideas with immediate utility

- areas that need to be explored in more detail

- novel approaches to the problem"

"... the major danger presented by vertical thinking is not that of being caught in the trap of the obvious, but that of failing to understand that we can be deceived by what is clear."

"The access point is the first area of attention. Usually, attention is directed first to that point, but ultimately, it covers the entire problem. However, it sometimes happens that important parts of the problem are completely ignored. And only when we direct our attention to these parts can we solve the problem."

"When something is bad, we continue to explore. When something is good, our thinking takes a break. That's why we need lateral thinking, to break this block of satisfaction and restructure the models, even when there is no need to do so."

The author provides excellent explanations regarding the reasons why lateral thinking is effective in establishing one's mindset for creative thinking and solutions.

Lateral thinking encourages individuals to break free from traditional patterns and explore new perspectives. It allows for the generation of unique ideas and approaches that may not be possible with vertical thinking.

Vertical thinking, on the other hand, is more linear and focused on following a set path or logic. It may limit creativity and prevent the discovery of innovative solutions.

By contrast, lateral thinking promotes flexibility and openness, enabling individuals to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.

The author's explanations help to clarify the differences between these two types of thinking and highlight the importance of lateral thinking in developing a creative mindset.