The underlying argument of the book is that there are two kinds of thinking-vertical and lateral. Most of us are educated to think vertically, to go from one logical step to the next, moving all the time towards the one correct solution of our problem. We are not usually educated to be creativite, to generate idea after idea ...

Dr. de Bono argues that the function of vertical, logical thinking is to exclude what is wrong. It is a very useful way of thinking but it is not the only useful way. To claim it is, is the sort of intellectual arrogance that makes creative thinking unlikely...

This could be a very useful book, for teachers and non-teachers alike. Dr de Bono does not claim to be able to turn us all into Miltons, Da Vincis and Ensteins... but his techniques provide an alternative to just sitting around wating for the Muse to appear. The Muse never apperas to most of us-hence the value of this book

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Use of this book
The way the mind works
Difference between lateral and vertical thinking
Attitudes towards lateral thinking
Basic nature of lateral thinking
The use of lateral thinking
Techniques
The generation of alternatives
Challenging assumptions
Innovatin
Suspended judgement
Design
Dominant ideas and crucial factors
Fractionation
The Reversal method
Brainstorming
Analogies
Choice of entry point and attention area
Random stimulation
Concepts/divisions/polarization
The new worl po
Blocked by openness
Description/problem solving/design
Summary