Edward de Bono - DeveloPassion

# Edward de Bono ![[50 Resources/51 Attachments/51.03 Public/2026-02-10 Edward de Bono.jpg|400]] Edward de Bono (1933-2021) was a physician, psychologist, author, and consultant best known for developing [[Lateral thinking]] and the [[Six Thinking Hats method]]. He pioneered the field of deliberate creative thinking, introducing systematic techniques for breaking out of habitual thought patterns and generating innovative solutions. His work transformed how organizations and individuals approach creative problem-solving, introducing practical tools for thinking more effectively. De Bono coined the term "lateral thinking" in 1967 to describe thinking that solves problems through indirect and creative approaches rather than traditional step-by-step logic. Beyond lateral thinking, he developed numerous thinking tools and frameworks, including the Six Thinking Hats (parallel thinking from different perspectives), ... His work has influenced education, business, and creative problem-solving globally, with his methods adopted by corporations, governments, and educational institutions across the world. ## Key Publications **Lateral Thinking Books**: - *The Use of Lateral Thinking* (1967) - Introduced the concept of lateral thinking - *Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step* (1970) - Comprehensive guide to lateral thinking techniques - *Serious Creativity: Using the Power of Lateral Thinking to Create New Ideas* (1992) - *Lateral Thinking: A Textbook of Creativity* (2009) **Six Thinking Hats**: - *Six Thinking Hats* (1985) - Parallel thinking method using different perspectives - *Six Thinking Hats for Schools* series - Educational applications **Other Major Works**: - *The Mechanism of Mind* (1969) - Theory of pattern-making systems in thinking - *Po: Beyond Yes and No* (1972) - Introduction to provocative operation - *I Am Right, You Are Wrong* (1990) - Critique of Western thinking traditions - *Teach Your Child How to Think* (1992) - *How to Have a Beautiful Mind* (2004) - *Think! Before It's Too Late* (2009) ## Impact on Thinking **Creative Problem-Solving**: - Made creativity systematic and teachable - Provided practical techniques, not just inspiration - Showed thinking as skill that can be learned - Influenced design thinking and innovation methodologies **Business and Innovation**: - Lateral thinking adopted by major corporations - Six Thinking Hats used in meetings and decision-making - Influenced business strategy and innovation practices - Taught creativity as competitive advantage **Education**: - CoRT thinking program used in schools worldwide - Thinking skills integrated into curricula - Demonstrated thinking can be explicitly taught - Influenced educational philosophy globally **Broader Culture**: - "Lateral thinking" entered common language - Popularized deliberate creative thinking - Made thinking itself a subject of study - Influenced how people approach problems ## Related - [[Lateral thinking]] - His most influential contribution to creative thinking - [[Divergent thinking]] - [[Brainstorming]] - [[Six Thinking Hats method]] ## Quotes  ## Books