There follows a weekly message from Edward de Bono. The index to the site contents follow after the message.

MESSAGE FOR WEEK BEGINNING 2nd February 2009

new words

There is a real need for new words in language. The word 'Po' signals that a deliberate provocation is to follow and that this provocation needs to be used for its 'movement' value not its 'judgement' value. Such a word could not evolve in language until the logic of provocation in a self-organising system had been pointed out. There is also a need for the new word 'ebne' (excellent but not enough). Without such a word it is difficult to ask for a change without attacking what is. There are some other new words that I have in mind. Adjectives are always easier which is why 'lateral thinking' has easily become part of everyday language. We also need a new word for 'idea creativity' as mentioned in a previous message in order to distinguish this creativity from artistic creativity. The term 'new thinking' can help but is quite weak.

My new code which is being published on the web as 'debonocode.org' provides a needed way of describing complex situations but there is also a need for an ordinary language term.

Edward de Bono
25th January 2009