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lateral thinking

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manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious or attainable using only traditional step-by-step logic

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Maltese psychologist Edward de Bono (pictured in 2009) introduced the term "lateral thinking" in 1967.

Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious. Synonymous to thinking outside the box, it involves ideas that may not be obtainable using only traditional step-by-step logic. The cutting of the Gordian Knot is a classical example.

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