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Parallel Thinking

Edward de Bono

3.65 · Rating details · 144 ratings · 20 reviews

‘Western thinking is failing because it was not designed to deal with change’

For thousands of years we have followed the thinking system designed by the Greek philosophers Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, based on analysis, judgement and argument. In Parallel Thinking de Bono’s thesis is that these ‘boxes’ are no longer adequate to cope with today’s rapidly changing world. ...more

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Published by Penguin Books Ltd (first published October 1991)

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Sep 08, 2018 Alan Lattanner rated it really liked it

Shelves: business, self-improvement

Parallel thinking is author Edward de Bono's term for "laying down ideas alongside each other." In parallel thinking, people accept any idea put forward without criticizing its value to the problem at hand. You just lay out all ideas “in parallel.” Afterwards, the individual thinker or group evaluates the benefits, appropriateness, risks, and alternatives. De Bono's "six thinking hats" method, described briefly in this book (and in detail in his book by that title) guides the process.

“Six thinki Parallel thinking is author Edward de Bono's term for "laying down ideas alongside each other." In parallel thinking, people accept any idea put forward without criticizing its value to the problem at hand. You just lay out all ideas “in parallel.” Afterwards, the individual thinker or group evaluates the benefits, appropriateness, risks, and alternatives. De Bono's "six thinking hats" method, described briefly in this book (and in detail in his book by that title) guides the process.

“Six thinking hats" forms the foundation of this book's premise which is our traditional western paradigm of "critical thinking" or “dialectic” (argument, refutation) cannot solve modern problems. "Analysis and judgement" are insufficient, de Bono asserts. The key problem lies in the fact that critical thinking does not address innovation. Our fast-changing society requires a new approach that is inclusive, non-judgmental, and creative. De Bono says that concepts like "constructive thinking" and "creative thinking." are more robust. He explores those in this book.

Other reviewers note a good deal of repetition. Many chapters refer to the "gang of three" (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle) whose writings describe the beginnings of the traditional thinking process that is in almost universal use in western society. The repetition serves a purpose, although I agree it is a bit much. That purpose stems from context, and each instance of “repetition” is actually a starting point or reference point for a chapter’s specific theme. Repeating that allusion did not impede my enjoyment of the book.

One concept in this book really struck me as valuable. The idea that wisdom comes with age is nearly universal. In contrast, De Bono asserts that wisdom can be learned and taught. You don't have to live to Methuselah's age to become wise. How? De Bono contrasts wisdom with cleverness. Problem-solvers are clever. The problem-solver, whether individual or group, discusses a problem from all angles at once, discards what supposedly “won't work” to zero-in on “what might work,.” i.e the “solution.” Failure is common. Argument and hurt feelings are the norm. Too often the process is messy, ego-driven, and time-consuming.

Against this, the processes of parallel thinking, lateral thinking (structured creativity), and the six thinking hats method generate a variety of possibilities that often lead more efficiently to a consciously-designed way forward. How does this increase wisdom? De Bono says that the act of considering multiple possibilities in depth, prior to throwing some out on shallow grounds, expands one's "creative experience" within a given problem category. The result is a greater repertoire of concepts about possibilities. Such is the basis of wisdom.

In summary, this book could use revision to make it a bit more readable. Even so, Parallel Thinking is a worthwhile read for people interested in better thinking. If I were recommending books by Edward de Bono (author of 65 or more books), this would not be first on the list. Yet it expands and adds value to the topics of Lateral Thinking, Six Thinking Hats, and other unique de Bono concepts. I rate it four stars. ...more

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Sep 06, 2019 Nitish Sancheti rated it liked it

This is a wonderful book to learn about problem solving for people working in all verticals. The author explicitly describes the flaws of western thinking starting right from historic perspective, and the current problems with it.

Parallel thinking is something that we should all train ourselves to use and engage in, since the potential of creative thinking/possibilities/alternative ideas is enormous.

The book becomes too repetitive in between, and sometimes becomes a drag to read. But through the ...more

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Mar 05, 2020 Rhonda Sue rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is a great book on how to think in a parallel fashion or in a non-traditional way. Western thinking is failing because it wasn't designed to deal with change. Traditional thinking (the gang of 3), is concerned with search and discovery. Parallel thinking is concerned with design and creation. This book gives a history of traditional thinking from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle which the author refers to as the gang of 3. We need to put that sort of thinking to rest and look forward. Avanti! This is a great book on how to think in a parallel fashion or in a non-traditional way. Western thinking is failing because it wasn't designed to deal with change. Traditional thinking (the gang of 3), is concerned with search and discovery. Parallel thinking is concerned with design and creation. This book gives a history of traditional thinking from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle which the author refers to as the gang of 3. We need to put that sort of thinking to rest and look forward. Avanti!

A number of chapters discuss the gang of 3 and you'll learn how it came to be. Socrates and Plato created order out of chaos by making truth absolute. Did you know that Plato was a fascist? This thinking led to Naziism and Marxism. Plato wrote about Socrates, not Socrates himself. We're talking 469-399BC. This thinking focused on ethics, justice, love, politics, and morality. Prior to the gang were Sophists-Greek foreigners who used oral persuasion.

The essence of the Socratic Method was to clear out errors, confusion, and false assumptions rather than bringing forward better ideas. It was adversarial and not productive, but for lawyers. Parallel thinking lays down ideas alongside other ideas, it's a design process. The Six Hats method is discussed in chapter 10. You've got different color hats that help you explore the subject at hand. It eliminates the need for argument.

As for Plato's truth it's based on what is, not on what can be. The chapter on shooting vs. fishing explains how to direct attention to the issue. Putting things into boxes is a bad idea but it's used by skilled lawyers. Another concept is water logic vs. rock logic. Go 'to' or flow, as opposed to a rock sitting there, what is. Allow contradictory views to exist in parallel and then design a way forward. Stay away from absolutes, change your wording.

We've been obsessed with what is, not with what can be. We need to get out of the past and focus on new ideas. Creativity involves a willingness to challenge, to take risks, to be provocative, so step outside the judgments that are a summary of past experience. In the parallel thinking method, contradictions are fully accepted, emphasis is on possibilities. It's different than brainstorming. It's 'maybe so', creative, and generative. Traditional thinking isn't action oriented. Business schools don't turn out the best thinkers because they focus on what is, not what can be.

We need a change mindset. In sum, traditional thinking is judgmental-it is or is not, it's either true or false, either/or, right/wrong. It's righteous, arrogant, and intolerant of plurality. It elevates critical intelligence which is the single greatest mistake and the basis of our culture and schools/universities. Parallel thinking uses design, it's a way forward, a possibility, and uses cooperation. It includes terms such a usually, by and large, sometimes. It's action, not description.

Thinking needs to be taught in schools which includes design, constructive and creative thinking.

More people need to know about this and get some serious changes in our schools starting with kids. It is a great way forward in our constantly changing times! ...more

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Jan 30, 2017 Akuismeudy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

Parallel thinking adalah satu plihan yang dianjurkan oleh De Bono dalam mengatasi kekurangan 'Western Thinking' yang dipelopori oleh Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. Western thinking ni sebenarnya adalah kaedah pemikiran yang kita gunakan sekarang ni. Menggunakan analisis untuk buat judgement.De bono bukan sahaja mengkritik Western Thinking yang dianggap ketinggalan dan tidak releven untuk semua situasi tetapi beliau menyediakan satu pilihan baru iaitu Parallel thinking. Terdapat 38 bab dalam buku ni Parallel thinking adalah satu plihan yang dianjurkan oleh De Bono dalam mengatasi kekurangan 'Western Thinking' yang dipelopori oleh Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. Western thinking ni sebenarnya adalah kaedah pemikiran yang kita gunakan sekarang ni. Menggunakan analisis untuk buat judgement.De bono bukan sahaja mengkritik Western Thinking yang dianggap ketinggalan dan tidak releven untuk semua situasi tetapi beliau menyediakan satu pilihan baru iaitu Parallel thinking. Terdapat 38 bab dalam buku ni yang menceritakan perbezan antara parallel thinking dan juga western thinking yang menggunakan Socratic method. Kalau kau pernah baca buku tulisan Plato tentang dialog-dialog socrates, kalau dalam BM ada Mampusnya Socrates meneguk racun mungkin kau akan dapat gambaran yang lagi jelas tentang Socratic Method yang dijelaskan De Bono.

Aku tertarik dengan parallel thinking sebab dia lebih luas dan tidak membuktikan betul salah dalam mencari kesimpulan tetapi lebih berfokus kepada kebarangkalian. Kalau ikut dari sudut kehidupan seharian penggunaan parallel ni agak sukar sebab memerlukan masa dan penelitian yang lama menyebabkan ramai yang lebih gemar untuk memilih traditional thinking yang lebih berfokus, seperti membuang yang salah untuk mendapatkan yang betul. Namun, menurut De Bono terdapat dalam satu-satu keadaan yang mana wujud pertindihan antara yang salah dan yang betul dan memungkinkan keputusan yang diambil tidak tepat dan tidak sesuai.

Kaedah parallel juga berfokus kepada pembentukan sesuatu yang baru berbanding mengkategorikan sesuatu bagi melahirkan sebuah keputusan. Menurut De Bono, pengkategorian menyebabkan pemikiran kita terikat dan tindakan yang dihasilkan tidak melahirkan satu penyelesaian yang baru tetapi mengulangkan apa yang telah ada sebelum ini. Cuma persoalannya adalah apabila wujud situasi yang perkara yang sedia ada tidak mampu untuk menyelesaikan dengan tepat permasalahan atau keadaan yang wujud maka parallel thinking adalah berfungsi di sini.

De bono tidak bertujuan menghapus terus pemikiran Socratic method tetapi menyediakan pilihan yang lain dan mencadangkan agar keduanya digunakan secara bersama, dan tidak bergantung kepada pemikiran yang lama sahaja bagi melahirkan idea-idea baru dan menghadapi cabaran perkembangan dunia yang pesat.

...more

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Mar 29, 2018 NettlesandBurrs rated it really liked it

This book is a critique of critical thinking, an exploration of thinking in general, and also lays out some of the author's own ideas and systems to improve the way we think and address some of the flaws identified by the author in modern systems.

The author begins with an analysis of critical thinking. While critical thinking has its place, it is not enough to form new ideas. Doing that requires active skills in creating, constructing, and designing new ideas, yet these are skills we rarely dev ...more

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Sep 19, 2020 Robert Flatau rated it it was ok

DeBono is busy blaming the ills of the world on our being stuck with the thinking of the ancient Greeks ( his gang of 3 - Plato; Socrates; Aristotle.) He is a century too late. (Popper’s Open Society & it’s enemies)

This book doesn’t add any new tools to our thinking but adds a list of his previous tools as recommended solutions to his imagined problems. He has developed a technology of thinking in the past, but seems to have little more to offer on the basis of this book. He is ignorant of devel ...more

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Dec 15, 2019 Bhomit Bhandari rated it it was amazing

Great book for anyone who want's to understand the edward de bono system of thinking and his ideas on new way of thinking then what was present the greek 3 gang (Aristotle, Plato and Scorates ) he introduces reference to other works which one can refer to which is handy in case one want's to understand the ideas in depth. One ca pick up this book select one system to evaluate his ideas or solve problems by some the the thinking systems given in the book. The book however does not go in depth as ...more

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Dec 01, 2017 Jair Jimenez rated it really liked it · review of another edition

el libro trata extensamente sobre el por qué pensamos hoy en nuestro esquema mental común donde muchas veces pretendemos dividir todo en un sistema binario: bueno o malo, aceptable o inaceptable, en acuerdo o en desacuerdo.
este esquema disminuye considerablemente las posibilidades de construcción colectiva que abre el no oponerse de entrada a las ideas si no más bien construir sobre ellas, diseñando en lugar de estar intentando descubrir verdades absolutas. después de esta larga explicación intr ...more

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Apr 22, 2020 Rithwik rated it really liked it

I had always had problems with absolutes. Taking a side on an issue. Debates, where you are given a "side" to defend. This book narrows down on maybe one reason for my discomfort. I think the author presents ideas that can bring about a major shift in world.
The writing is repetitive. It is a small book which can be comfortably finished in a week. But like I said, it's repetitive, so a reading marathon is pointless. I would suggest reading a few pages at a time, really think about the ideas, and ...more

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Mar 24, 2020 Jingjia rated it liked it

It did change my way of wanting to look at things, instead of judging too early on reliability and practicability of different approaches to problems. The author wants us to break free of our traditional ways of thinking, that we seek to move forward from the options rather than shutting them down too early which, would not bring any more progress. He did offer us ways to break free. However, throughout the book he kept giving emphasis on importances of us to look past traditional ways of thinki ...more

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Feb 04, 2019 Danijel Brestovac rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: delno-prebrane

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 17, 2017 Liam Wakefield rated it did not like it

Failed the 100-page test, though I continued to speed read the remaining chapters as the idea of the book seemed interesting. Overall I lost interest, this due to its dullness. I can see the point, and respect the writer for his brilliant understanding of philosophy and the dichotomy of philosophers and their visions. There is a place for this book. Just not on my shelf.

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Dec 20, 2020 Kathryn Koopmanschap rated it liked it

Interesting ideas. A little repetitive, and forever referencing his other works. Still useful though.

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May 31, 2008 Abe Hanara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great first read that highlights how the way we think has been created. A difficult concept to swallow for those that think that "we have always thought this way" as a society. Enlightening read that makes sense of how the early philosophers of their time shaped our general thinking in societys today. Exciting to think of what the future holds and the way that our 'style' and habits of thinking effect future generations. Loved this read. ...more

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May 09, 2020 Milica Ljumović rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction

Great book to learn new thinking methods and apply them into your daily work.
Instead of excluding the ideas by critisizing them, we lay them parallel to each other and look what we can do with them and where can they lead us further.
It is a great hint how to boost your creativity and design thinking, which is not much emphasized these days.
The book is too repetitive in some parts, which is why I gave it 3 starts. The idea behind is great and worth considering.

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Apr 24, 2008 Ainsley rated it really liked it

A really interesting premise behond the book. De Bono tries to get away from the Socratic method (where destruction of ideas is often prized more than formulating the idea itself). Makes you think....

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Jul 12, 2016 Gary Power rated it it was amazing

Great book. I love how he talks about the intelligence trap. How people who are intelligent can often defend a position and become so entrenched they cannot be reached. It also good to hole two thoughts at the same time. Someone can be a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

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May 31, 2008 Abe Hanara rated it really liked it

Loved this read. Read this one when I was in highschool. Loved it

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Jun 24, 2016 Hike Singh rated it really liked it

over my head!

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About Edward de Bono

Edward de Bono

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Edward de Bono is a Maltese physician, author, inventor, and consultant. He is best known as the originator of the term lateral thinking (structured creativity) and the leading proponent of the deliberate teaching of thinking in schools.