There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.
Edward De BonoRead
(...) being right all the time acquires a huge importance in education, and there is this terror of being wrong. The ego is so tied to being right that later on in life you are reluctant to accept that you are ever wrong, because you are defending not the idea but your self-esteem. (...) this terror of being wrong means that people have enormous difficulties in changing ideas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The fear of being wrong can hinder personal growth and the acceptance of new ideas.
In this quote, Edward De Bono points out the detrimental impact of an overemphasis on being right within education and broader life experiences. He suggests that fear of being wrong is not only tied to our self-esteem but also makes it challenging for individuals to be open to changing their beliefs and ideas. This fear can create a rigid mindset that stifles learning and growth.
Themes
EducationFearChangeSelf-EsteemOpen-Mindedness
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on personal development, this quote can be used to encourage participants to embrace their mistakes.
More from Edward De Bono
All quotes →Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.
Edward De BonoRead
As competition intensifies, the need for creative thinking increases. It is no longer enough to do the same thing better . . . no longer enough to be efficient and solve problems.
Edward De BonoRead
Most of the mistakes in thinking are inadequacies of perception rather than mistakes of logic.
Edward De BonoRead
Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it.
Edward De BonoRead
The simple process of focusing on things that are normally taken for granted is a powerful source of creativity.
Edward De BonoRead
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