I Am Right, You Are Wrong by Edward de Bono (1933–2021) is a stimulating exploration into the processes of human thought and the ways in which we arrive at decisions and form judgments. De Bono, a renowned psychologist and proponent of lateral thinking, challenges the traditional Western thinking patterns that emphasize logic and critical analysis. He argues that these conventional methods often lead to adversarial thinking, where being right becomes more important than finding effective solutions.
De Bono introduces the concept of “parallel thinking,” which encourages individuals to look at problems from multiple perspectives simultaneously, rather than competing against each other to prove a single point. This approach fosters a more cooperative and innovative environment for problem-solving.
The book is structured to make complex ideas accessible to the general reader, using clear language and practical examples. De Bono’s style is engaging, often provoking readers to reconsider their own thinking patterns and the societal norms that shape them.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to blend theoretical insights with practical applications, offering readers tools to enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. However, some critics argue that De Bono’s criticism of traditional logic might oversimplify complex intellectual traditions.
Notable quotes:
“Perception is real even when it is not reality.”
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
“Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to generate it.”
“Most of the mistakes in thinking are inadequacies of perception rather than mistakes of logic.”
“The need to be right all the time is the biggest bar to new ideas.”
These quotes encapsulate De Bono’s central arguments and his advocacy for a more original and less confrontational approach to thinking and problem-solving. I Am Right, You Are Wrong is a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in psychology, innovation, and the ways in which we think and communicate.
Edward de Bono, I Am Right, You Are Wrong, London: Viking,1990.
