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
Traditional thinking is all about "what is" Future thinking will also need to be about what can be.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote contrasts traditional thinking with future-oriented thinking, emphasizing the need to envision possibilities beyond current realities.
Edward De Bono highlights the limitation of traditional thinking, which focuses on the present state of affairs ('what is'), and encourages a shift towards future thinking that is rooted in imagination and potential ('what can be'). This perspective advocates for innovation and creativity in problem-solving and decision-making, suggesting that to thrive in the future, one must be open to new possibilities and ideas that go beyond conventional boundaries.
Themes
ThinkingFuturePossibilitiesInnovationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire students about their potential career paths.
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
(...) 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
Similar quotes
A reputable lawyer will advise you to keep out of the law, make the best of a foolish bargain, and not get caught again.
Mark TwainRead
Work kills no one, but worry has killed multitudes… Worry not only saps vitality and wastes energy, but it also seriously affects the quality of one's work. It cuts down ability. A man cannot get the highest quality of efficiency into his work when his mind is troubled. The mental faculties must have perfect freedom before they will give out their best. A troubled brain cannot think clearly, vigorously, and logically.
Orison S. MardenRead
Prepare for the unknown, unexpected and inconceivable . . . after 50 years of flying I'm still learning every time I fly.
Gene CernanRead
If standard of living is your major objective, quality of life almost never improves, but if quality of life is your number one objective, your standard of living almost always improves.
Zig ZiglarRead
When we see the secret beauty of anyone, including ourselves, we see past our judgment and fear into the core of who we truly are - not an entrapped self but the radiance of goodness.
Tara BrachRead
You can't help but... with 20/20 hindsight, go back and say, 'Look, had we done something different, we probably wouldn't be facing what we are facing today.'
Norman SchwarzkopfRead