EDWARD DE BONO'S MESSAGE
5th January 1998

"Creativity & Constructive Thinking"

I want to thank all those who sent in their own personal comments on 'simplicity'. I completed the book while out in Malta over Christmas. I have not yet looked at the submissions. I shall do this on my return to London. If the quality of the submissions is what I expect then I shall include them in an 'appendix' to the book. I am assuming you have indicated in your submission whether or not you want address or contact details mentioned.

This is a special message to all members of the Edward de Bono Creative Team. The subscription you have already paid will be valid until 31st December 1998. The original subscription was for one year but this is now being extended to a second year without any further payment.

The overlap between creative and constructive thinking becomes more and more obvious. I see creativity as a way to be 'constructive'. Creativity is most effective when embedded in constructive thinking. It is quite possible to be constructive without being exceptionally creative. This can be done with designs that put together known elements in fairly standard ways. It is also done by yellow hat focus on positive aspects and then seeking to develop these.

In the end it is conscructive thinking that delivers values. Creative thinking may design new values and may suggest new ways of delivering values but it is constructive thinking that make things happen.

There is not as much hype and mystique around constructive thinking. That may be a good thing. It is also a good thing that creative people put more emphasis on constructive thinking.

There are many tasks on this site still open so I shall not suggest any more for the time being.

Edward de Bono
4th January 1998
Malta