Edward de Bono: 'Creative thinking - in terms of idea creativity - is not a mystical talent. It is a skill that can be practised and nurtured.'

Creative thinking - in terms of idea creativity - is not a mystical talent. It is a skill that can be practised and nurtured.

In essence, Edward de Bono's quote, "Creative thinking - in terms of idea creativity - is not a mystical talent. It is a skill that can be practiced and nurtured," emphasizes the notion that creativity is not exclusive to a chosen few but rather a skill that anyone can develop with dedicated effort. This quote serves as a reminder that one's ability to generate innovative ideas and think outside the box is not predetermined by a mystical or innate talent, but rather is a skill that can be honed through practice and cultivation.Creativity is often seen as a mysterious and elusive quality possessed only by a select few individuals who are deemed "naturally creative." This perspective overlooks the fact that creativity is, at its core, a learnable skill that can be nurtured over time. Much like any other skill, such as playing an instrument or mastering a sport, creativity can be developed through consistent practice, experimentation, and the adoption of certain techniques.This quote's straightforward interpretation emphasizes the importance of dispelling the belief that creativity is an inherent trait, as it can discourage those who perceive themselves as lacking in creative abilities. Instead, de Bono suggests that creativity is accessible to everyone, provided they are willing to invest time and effort into cultivating and refining their creative thinking skills.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the significance of de Bono's quote. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato introduced the idea of "anamnesis," which posits that learning and knowledge acquisition are actually a process of remembering things our souls already know. According to Plato, our souls existed in a realm of perfect knowledge before being bound to our physical bodies, and through the act of learning, we are merely rediscovering what we have forgotten.Drawing a parallel between anamnesis and de Bono's quote may seem peculiar at first, but it ultimately highlights an intriguing connection between the two concepts. Just as anamnesis challenges the notion that learning is solely about acquiring new information, de Bono challenges the commonly held belief that creativity is an elusive talent. Both concepts point towards the idea that our capabilities are not limited, but rather expandable and flexible.If we view creativity as a skill that can be practiced and nurtured, it aligns with the concept of anamnesis in the sense that creativity is not something to be discovered but rather unlocked from within ourselves. It suggests that creativity is not limited to a select few but exists within all individuals, waiting to be awakened through deliberate effort and exploration.By embracing the notion that creativity is a learnable skill, we empower ourselves to tap into our own creative potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery. We can free ourselves from the self-imposed limitations and societal expectations that confine creativity to a privileged few. Instead, we can embark on the path of expanding our creative thinking abilities, experimenting, and nurturing the seeds of innovation within us.In conclusion, Edward de Bono's quote serves as a gentle reminder that creativity is not a mystical gift reserved for the fortunate few, but rather a skill that can be cultivated and developed by anyone willing to invest time and effort. By debunking the myth of innate talent, de Bono provides hope and encouragement for those who believe they lack creative abilities. Embracing the concept that creativity can be honed opens up a world of possibilities and potential for individuals to unlock their creative potential, challenge their own limitations, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Just as Plato's concept of anamnesis challenges traditional notions of learning, de Bono's quote encourages us to question assumptions about creativity and embrace the idea that within each of us lies the power to nurture and develop our creative thinking skills.