Merits of an idea
11/08/2005
An idea should be assessed directly on its merits – not in terms of how it was derived. We should not believe that an idea derived ‘logically’ is necessarily a good idea. Logic can never be any better that its starting points which are always arbitrary perceptions, assumptions and values (Goedel’s Theorem). A creative idea obtained through the provocative process of lateral thinking may be very valuable even if the path of derivation is unorthodox.
The provocation: “Po cars should have square wheels” leads to the idea of ‘anticipatory suspension’. This idea must then be examined directly on its merits.
Edward de Bono
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