Lateral Thinking

Think laterally

A sideways look at why we should use lateral thinking.

Three switches outside a windowless room are connected to three light bulbs inside the room. Can you determine which switch is connected to which bulb if you are only allowed to enter the room once? (You'll have to wait for the answer.)

   Solving this problem is an example of the art of 'lateral thinking', a term coined in 1967 by Edward de Bono, a leading authority in the field of creative and conceptual thinking. Lateral thinking is for changing concepts and perceptions. To be successful lateral thinkers, we need to become alert to the assumptions we make when we assess a situation. The difficulty with assumptions is that a lot of the time they serve a very useful purpose by providing us with a mental shorthand for dealing with the world. The box, outside of which we are often encouraged to think, is actually a box of assumptions. We should ask: What are we assuming to be true today, that is or might turn out to be a wrong assumption?

   OK, here's the answer to the light bulb puzzle: switch on the first switch, leave it for a minute, and then switch it off again. Then switch on the second switch and enter the room. The second switch will be connected to the light that is on, the first switch will be connected to the light with the warm bulb, and the third switch will be connected to the light with the cold bulb.

Pete : "AH, THEY'VE REFURBISHED THE STAFF ROOM! LET'S GET SOME MORE LIGHTS ON."

CLICK The kettle is on.

CLICK The television is on: "AND NOW THE MORNING NEWS..."

CLICK Blackout

that's just old school Sherlock

>>2

TNW Academy : http://thenextweb.com/academy

Q: How do I handle friend's incessant "why" questions?

A: Your friend's constant asking of "why" questions indicates a curious learner.

   Or it could be that he is dissatisfied with your responses, which he thinks are too cursory. So one response leads to another question.

   These simple Cara steps should help:

• Confirm his questions. Are they all ready the same question phrased differently?

   For example, his question about why cars have wheels is followed by, "Dude, why do trucks have wheels?"

• Ask him: "Did you just ask about cars having wheels?" (His answer should be "yes".)

• Rephrase his question: "Are cars and trucks in the same group?" (Assume that he says "yes". If not, tell him that they are.)

• Answer him: "So, if I have answered you about the cars, and trucks are in the same family, do you think I have answered your question?" (His answer should likely be "yes".)

   Be consistent with this approach. If possible, get different friends in your circle to do the same.

   Your friend will quickly learn to think before asking questions without having his curiosity dampened.

The Awesome Powers of Lateral Thinking : http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-awesome-powers-of-lateral-thinking