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
The simple process of focusing on things that are normally taken for granted is a powerful source of creativity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on overlooked aspects of life can enhance creativity.
This quote emphasizes that by paying attention to the ordinary and taken-for-granted details in our lives, we can unlock new ideas and original thoughts. It suggests that creativity often stems from a deep observation of everyday life, encouraging individuals to shift their perspective and appreciate the commonplace to foster innovative thinking.
Themes
CreativityObservationImaginationInnovationPerspective
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about innovation in business.
More from Edward De Bono
All quotes βDealing 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
(...) 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.
Edward De BonoRead
Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it.
Edward De BonoRead
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But neither money nor machines can create. They shuttle tokens of energy, but they do not transform. A civilization based on them puts people out of touch with their creative powers.
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Creativity is the ability to identify self-imposed constraints, remove them, and explore the consequences of their removal.
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When the external factors over which one has no control in a way start to become negative, it starts to affect our creative juices.
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If you feel bored or uncomfortable as you're writing, ask yourself what's bothering you and write about that. Sometimes your creative energy is like water in a kinked hose, and before thoughts can flow on the topic at hand, you have to straighten the hose by attending to whatever is preoccupying you.
Natalie GoldbergRead