Changing our thinking methods

Title	Changing our thinking methods
Weblog	Gurteen Knowledge Weblog
Posted Date	Monday 20 May 2002 12:11 GDT
Posted By	David Gurteen
Link	http://www.edwdebono.com/
Categories	Thinking
Technorati Tags	thinking
del.icio.us Tags	thinking
People	Edward De Bono

In the technical and scientific world we have made huge progress. This is because the behaviour of physical laws and physical substances is permanent and reliable. In human affairs it is different because there are interactive loops. If you call someone an 'idiot' that person is no longer the same person you called an idiot.

Our progress in human behaviour (conflicts etc) has hardly changed at all. We may throw guided missiles at each other rather than rocks but out behaviour is the same. This is because of the gross inadequacy of our thinking methods.

Many believe that we need to change values and attitudes. I do not think this is the answer. If we change our thinking methods (especially as regards perception) our values, attitudes and behaviour will follow.

Edward de Bono nmt
11th May 2002
Venice

How do we improve our understanding - mainly through 'open conversation' in my opinion. But maybe our thinking methods to some degree do need to change first - for us to recognise the problem. Food for thought

NB. What is that 'nmt' after de Bono's name I wonder? I just copied and pasted it as is!

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