Book SummaryLateral Thinking, by Edward de Bono

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Lateral Thinking

For centuries, logical and analytical thinking has been the cornerstone of problem-solving methodology. While this approach has led to remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, and technology, it sometimes fails to address challenges that require creative breakthroughs or novel solutions. In Lateral Thinking (1970), Edward de Bono shows us how to move beyond the limitations of traditional “vertical” thinking to embrace more creative and unconventional thought patterns. He presents lateral thinking not as a replacement for logical thinking, but as a complementary tool that enables us to view problems from new perspectives.

De Bono (1933-2021) was a Maltese physician and scholar with advanced degrees in medicine, psychology, and physiology. He...

Lateral Thinking Summary What Is Lateral Thinking?

To understand lateral thinking, we first need to define vertical thinking. De Bono explains that vertical thinking is a logical, step-by-step process of reasoning based on established patterns of thought. It’s focused on a specific objective—something to be “figured out”—and concerned with finding the best or most correct option. In contrast, lateral thinking is an exploratory process that challenges established patterns of thought and focuses on coming up with many ideas, even after finding a workable solution.

In vertical thinking, each step must follow logically from the previous one, and each step must be correct. Lateral thinking, however, can jump to a potential solution and then work backward to fill in the gaps. It allows for temporary incorrectness as long as the final result is valid. Lateral thinking is particularly useful for coming up with new ideas and solving problems that require you to challenge existing assumptions or functional-but-not-ideal solutions (as opposed to problems that simply require more information, for which vertical thinking is better suited).

Lateral thinking lets you avoid inflexible thinking or being dismissive toward alternate ways...

Lateral Thinking Summary How the Mind Processes Information

We’ve defined lateral thinking and explained how it differs from vertical thinking. Next we’ll look at how the brain creates patterns from information and how lateral thinking plays into that process.

De Bono explains that the human mind operates by generating and identifying patterns. It does this by creating recurring series of activity between neurons in the brain. While some patterns are innate (such as instincts), the mind’s most important capability is creating patterns. These patterns, whether right or wrong, become the basis for recognizing and responding to situations, allowing us to quickly receive and react to stimuli in our environment. For example, if an ancient human heard the sound of a rattlesnake just before encountering one, their brain would form a connection between that sound and the dangerous animal. The next time they heard the rattle, their brain would quickly tap into that pattern and alert them to the danger.

The more a pattern is used or activated, the more likely the brain is to continue to use it. This makes the system efficient, but it also makes it resistant to change. The purpose of lateral thinking is to challenge this system,...

Lateral Thinking Summary How to Practice Lateral Thinking

According to de Bono, lateral thinking is both an attitude and a skill that can be cultivated and practiced. The core tenet of lateral thinking is recognizing that any single view of something is only one of many potential views. The purpose of lateral thinking is to seek out these alternative ideas by considering different arrangements of existing information.

(Shortform note: To cultivate lateral thinking as both an attitude and a skill, consider employing actively open-minded thinking (AOT). To practice AOT, you must be open to ideas that differ from your own and evidence that contradicts your preconceptions. Research shows that practicing AOT can reduce your tendency to be biased in favor of your current beliefs, compel you to become more informed before making decisions, and make more accurate predictions, all of which support and reinforce lateral thinking.)

De Bono explains that understanding the concepts and purpose of lateral thinking is essential to making use of...

Shortform Exercise: Practice Lateral Thinking Techniques

De Bono argues that lateral thinking is both an attitude and a skill that can be cultivated through deliberate practice of specific techniques. This exercise will help you identify which techniques resonate most with you and create a plan for implementing them.

Think about a current challenge or decision you’re facing in your life. Briefly describe the situation and how you’ve approached it so far.