The first chapters start with an introduction of innovation and what it requires. The author distinguishes between ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ thinking. Where backward thinking involves analyzing an old idea and explaining it, while forward thinking involves moving ahead and creating something new. The lines between them are blurry since forward thinking, as all lateral processes, is non-linear and may require some backward thinking. Bono claims that this forward thinking is a feature important to innovation.
The second chapter goes in depth into the concept of Suspending Judgement of ideas, ourselves and other people. This goes back to the previous statements we read about lateral thinking sometimes involving being wrong in the middle of the brainstorming process in order to be right at the end. If we keep judgement in our hearts are are not able to fully consider some idea for what it is and the inspiration it can provide (despite it being wrong, or weird), we will have slower progression towards truly unique end products.
I find the above to be quite abstract. Although Bono tries to give examples of Lee de Forest and Marconi, I find the descriptions unsatisfactory. Perhaps an application of the principles in my own work will yield more insight.