When attempting the exercise of making an L from a square with 2 cuts in class, I was fixated on turning the larger leftover cutout into the required shape. However, the first solution that was later presented was not restricted by this limitation I had assumed. Instead, by using a single straight cut through the middle and arranging one of the halves vertically over the other, which remains horizontal, an L shape could still be achieved. This simple solution showed me what lateral thinking is, as mentioned in the book: a process of “restructuring, escape and the provocation of new patterns.” The passage also provides a revision of the in-class discussion about the differences between “Natural Search for Alternatives” versus “Lateral Search”. In both the book and the discussion, an idea that is brought up is the possibility of different approaches to a problem or task. It reminded of Otis Sandjso’s process of improvisation and how he mentioned that the songs he makes are layers upon layers of different practice sessions, building one over the other but never completely replacing any one of them. It makes me wonder how much of his improvisation relies on lateral thinking and in what capacity is the former concept dependent on the other.
Impression of Otis Sandsjö
- Amazing saxophone skills
- Excellent improvisations
- Enjoyed listening to him
- His responses to questions mirrored many points in Kermit’s TED Talk
- His music directly applies the “conspiracy of craziness”, unconventionality and experimentation.
- He mentions he “didn’t know where he was going” when he started his musical journey.
- He never expects his music to be perfect.
- He mentions the endless possibilities for a beginner, much like in Shoshin.
- His mentality of constant practice and to not be result-oriented is a direct reflection of the section where Kermit talks about “explore, experiment, make mistakes”.