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Thinking Out of the Box: Lateral Thinking

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND ANNOTATIONS

Q l) ‘Most complex problems do have a solution.’ Explain how the girl in the story
used lateral thinking to come up with a solution for her problem.
A: Sometimes a problem, if it is difficult and complicated, we cannot find a solution.
However, if we change the way we look at the problem we may be able to solve it.
Logic and analysis do not always work. We need to think in a creative and
unconventional manner. This is called lateral thinking. ‘In the story the money-
lender pretends to play a small game of chance. He says that there are two pebbles
in a bag. If the girl picks the white pebble from the bag, she will be set free. If she
picks the black pebble she will have to marry hint. The girl, thus, has a fair chance
of winning. But the girl notices that the money-lender has cheated in the game by
putting two black pebbles in the bag..The girl displays presence of mind. She
quietly drops the pebble she has picked. She then points out that ‘since the pebble
left in the bag is black, she must have picked the white one. Therefore, she should
be set, free. The girl, thus, uses her wits to escape.

Q2) ‘Lateral thinking is creative or non-linear thinking.’ Provide instances from the
essay to support this statement.
A: Generally, we use logic and analytical skills to solve problems. But sometimes we
may need to think in a totally different way. Some anecdotes in the essay illustrate
how lateral thinking differs from linear thinking.
The girl outwits the money-lender who tries to cheat her in a game. Knowing that
both the pebbles in the bag are black, she quietly drops the pebble she has picked.
She then states that since the one left in the bag is black, she must have picked up
the white one. She wins her freedom. In another instance, a millionaire takes a small
loan of $5000 from a bank located in the heart of New York City. He leaves his car

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as collateral security. He later reveals that paying interest of $15 is • far cheaper
than paying the parking fee for his car for two weeks. T20 and day/night matches in
cricket are other examples of lateral thinking. Colourful balls and clothing were
introduced. Australia recently experimented with two different captains for the Test
and one-day cricket matches.

Q3) Explain the use of six thinking hats. How does it help in group discussions?
A: Edward de Bono made the concept of lateral thinking popular. Certain problems
require creative solutions. They cannot be solved by logic. To explain this, he used
the technique of six thinking hats. These hats are of different colours. Each colour
has a symbolic significance. A white hat is worn when we want to find out facts. A
red hat is worn to understand the emotional aspects of a situation. A yellow hat is
worn to assess the pros and cons of an issue. De Bono points out that the use of
different hats makes us see different aspects of a problem. It enables us to make a
proper decision. In discussions, the use of hats is helpful. There is a combined effort
to sort out problems. There is more teamwork and less ill will.

Q4) Explain the difference between lateral and logical thinking.

A: Generally we use logic and analysis to solve problems. We use the given data and
make assumptions. We then arrive at a solution. Such an approach is called logical
thinking. But sometimes this approach does not work. “We need to be creative. We
must look at the problem or situation in a different manner. This kind of
unconventional approach is called lateral thinking. Edward de Bono popularized the
concept of lateral thinking. He used the image of six thinking hats to illustrate the
various ways of viewing a problem. He points out that the use of different hats
makes us see all the aspects and implications of a problem. It enables us to make a
proper decision.

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Important Annotations
I. In most real-life situations, the pieces are not given, we just assume they are
there. We assume certain perceptions, concepts and boundaries.
Introduction: These lines are taken from an article on the internet about Lateral
Thinking.
Context: The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral
thinking. He describes the six thinking hats of De Bond, the father of lateral
thinking.
Explanation: Most of us try to solve problems in a particular way. We place the
given data before us and make certain assumptions. This structured approach can be
compared to the manner in which we move pieces on the chess board when we play
a game of chess. But sometimes this strategy does not work.
Comment: The assumptions we make may be incorrect. We need to break free of
preconceived ideas. We need to think in a new, creative way.

2. When a person puts on a hat, he or she plays the role that belongs to that hat.
This makes it a game where individuals are encouraged to contribute all kinds
of ideas under diverse hats.
Introduction: These lines are taken from an article on the internet about Lateral
Thinking.
Context: The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral
thinking. The different ways of approaching a problem can be compared to the
wearing of different hats. He describes the six thinking hats of De Bono, the father
of lateral thinking.
Explanation: De Bono says that we have to think in new, creative ways to solve
problems. We may have to keep changing hats. We wear a white hat when we try -

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to grasp facts, a red hat when we view the emotional aspects of a problem and a
black one when we make a judgment. Changing hats is interesting and challenging.
Comment: We come up with different ideas and suggestions. This makes the
solving of problems seem like a game.

3. With the six hats, instead of confrontation there is supportive scrutiny of an

issue, which is useful where there are fierce arguments, bickering or obstinacy.
Introduction: These lines are taken from an article on the internet about Lateral
Thinking.
Context: The author points out the difference between logical thinking and lateral
thinking. He describes the six thinking hats of De Bono, the father of lateral
thinking. .
Explanation: De Bono used the technique of six thinking hats. These hats are of
different colours. They have a symbolic significance. Each hat represents a
particular style of thinking or approach to a problem. De Bono “points out that the
use of these hats is particularly useful in group discussions. Different members can
wear different hats. Thus, all the aspects and implications of a problem can be
considered. There is a combined effort to sort out problems. There is more team
work and less ill will.
Comment: People are more ready to understand each other’s point of view they are
less rigid and stubborn.

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