Lateral Thinking: Generate Brilliant Ideas

Is this my very first post of 2020. Sometimes searching for the right topic to write about turns into a taxing task. Nonetheless, I always seem to stumble upon the right piece of information at the right time. Recently, did I encounter the term "lateral thinking" on a math book. Ever since then, I have been planning  on explaining what it is and how it works. In the following, I will address this topic and provide a few insights into how we can apply it into our lives.

 

I am sure you have heard the expression "to think outside the box". Lateral thinking is most likely the technical term for it. You see, most people think in a linear way (vertical thinking). When presented with a problem or question, most would employ logic and devise one solution. Conversely, lateral thinking encourages you to apply several strategies after looking into the problem. Thus, generating multiple solutions or answers. In other words, lateral thinking is used "to dig a whole in a different way". Whereas vertical thinking is used "to dig the same hole deeper". Both types of thinking should complement each other. Lateral thinking primarily being used with out-of-the-ordinary situations. For instance, mathematicians use this type of thinking so as to ideate different ways to solve a problem.

 

Dr. Edward De Bono coined the term back in 1967. He is a pioneer in brain training.  He has published several books on creative, critical and lateral thinking throughout his career. One of his most prominent works being "The Six Thinking Hats". Schools from over 20 countries have included his thinking tools into their curriculums. Not to mention he has helped countless people all over the world improve their creative skills and thinking abilities. De Bono believes our brain is organized and operates in patterns. Which makes it difficult for new information to be integrated easily. Which it needs to fit within the aforesaid existing patterns. Hence, lateral thinking allows us to restructure those patterns. Opening our minds to new ideas.

 

Lastly, I would say that even though this principle may be quite useful when playing chess or doing math, it can also be applied in our daily life. As stated above, problem solving skills do come into play when making decisions. Those decisions can lead us either to success or failure. The focus of lateral thinking lies on using all the alternatives we have to our advantage in order to produce the best solution.

Sources:
- Blahzinga YouTube Channel
- https://www.edwddebono.com/