Author: Rishan Zeru

The text provides a compelling exploration of lateral thinking as a distinct and valuable mode of thought, emphasizing its role in creativity and innovation. It underscores the necessity of this kind of thinking in overcoming the limitations of traditional vertical thinking, which although rigorous, often restricts the generation of new ideas and perspectives.

The detailed exploration of how lateral thinking contrasts with, and complements, vertical thinking offers a robust framework for understanding how different thinking styles can be harnessed to foster innovation. This is particularly relevant today, as the rapid pace of change in various fields demands both the generation of new ideas and the efficient handling of information.

I’m intrigued by the notion that lateral thinking not only serves as a tool for creativity but also as a mechanism for restructuring old patterns of thought, which is crucial for progress in any field. This idea of ‘thinking outside the box’ to find new solutions to old problems is more relevant now than ever, especially in areas like technology and business, where traditional solutions often fall short in addressing new challenges.

Moreover, the concept that lateral thinking can be deliberately practiced and is not just an innate talent is particularly empowering. It suggests that anyone can enhance their creative capabilities by adopting new ways of thinking and approaching problems.

The discussion about how lateral thinking is taught and applied across various age groups and disciplines highlights its universal applicability and importance. It is a reminder that fostering such skills should be a fundamental aspect of education systems worldwide, encouraging a generation of thinkers who are not only knowledgeable but also innovatively adept.

I appreciate how Sir Ken defines creativity for all human beings: “Creativity is not a separate faculty that some people have and others do not. The truth is, we all possess varying creative capabilities because creativity is a function of intelligence. Therefore, creativity is possible in any activity that actively engages human intelligence.” I am drawn to the idea that creativity is not limited to the arts but can be applied to almost anything. Previously, I believed that creativity was a talent given by nature to only a select few. Now, I realize that creativity is not exclusive to specific individuals; it is for everyone in this world and can manifest in anything we do daily.

As Kermit the Frog said, “We literally create every single day for ourselves through our cultural perspectives and our belief systems.” This is indeed true. We live in a world that demands constant creation, and we craft our own worlds through our decisions and the paths we choose. I believe this ideology is perfect for understanding and making a difference in the world. I’ve come to realize that being creative is part of daily living and happens in everyday life. Moreover, we can start being creative anywhere.

Additionally, I really appreciate the notion that the best part of creativity involves collaboration with friends and colleagues. This is profoundly true. Such collaboration has a tremendous impact on the world and contributes to every aspect of life. By making friends and collaborating with colleagues, we can achieve the most effective and optimal points of a happy life and change  in this world, which is a crucial aspect of creativity.

Since our circles have some elements of a face and lots of patterns, we decided to stitch together a robot and give it a story for the patterns. Its face is made up of multiple layers of steel beams. Its shirt is stitched up from shirts of many football players (hence the numbers). Its arms and legs are bodies of airplanes. It lives in a sentient house with eyes that watch over both the robot and garden.