The book Lateral Thinking
by Edward de Bono is intended
for use both at home and at
school.
At school the emphasis has
traditionally always been on
vertical thinking which is
effective but incomplete. This
selective type of thinking needs
to be supplemented with the
generative qualities of
creative
thinking.
This book is about lateral
thinking, which is the process
of using information to bring
about
creativity and
insight restructuring.
Lateral thinking can be
learned, practiced and used. It
is possible to acquire skill in
it just as it is possible to
acquire skill in mathematics.
Both vertical and lateral
thinking are necessary. Vertical
thinking is immensely useful but
one needs to enhance its
usefulness by adding creativity
and tempering its rigidity.
The book Lateral Thinking
should be of use to teachers who
are looking for a practical way
to handle lateral thinking which
is becoming ever more important.
The book by Edward de Bono
provides formal opportunities to
practice lateral thinking and
also an explanation of the
processes involved. The teacher
may either use the book for his
or her own interest or, better
still, as a basis for classroom
work.
