EDWARD DE BONO'S MESSAGES - 29th May 2000

Critical Thinking

I find things very strange indeed. I wonder how many people share these feelings.

If any university, anywhere, has a faculty of 'thinking' that must be very exceptional. Why? It may be assumed that 'thinking' is not a subject. It may be assumed that this comes under philosophy. It may be assumed that this comes under cognitive psychology. All these assumptions are extremely old-fashioned and quite incorrect.

Thinking is the most fundamental and most important human skill. Our future depends upon our thinking both in terms of solving problems and in terms of making the best use of available knowledge and assets. How is it then that 'thinking' as such is almost totally neglected. Could it be that we are so complacent with out limited software for thinking that we do not believe any further development is possible? Can anyone seriously hold such a ridiculous idea. Yes.

Thinking should be the core subject in every curriculum and every school around the world. It is not. It is rarely there at all and even when it is there it comes under the inadequate heading of 'critical thinking'. Judgement thinking is fine but it does not design a way forward.

Six hours of thinking taught directly to unemployed youngsters in the New Deal  scheme, in the UK, increased employment FIVE FOLD. That is a huge effect. What a pity that governments are so ignorant of what can be done.

Ask yourselves these questions. And then ask others. Is it that we are so intellectually bogged down in historic adequacy that we cannot imagine improvement? Yes.

Edward de Bono nmt
28th  May 2000
Oslo - Norway