2. Knowledge is the acquaintance with facts,
truths, or principles; the fact or state of
knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear
and certain mental apprehension.
The definition mentioned
above makes one realize
that knowledge comes from
memorizing and thinking,
as well as one’s personal
experiences. Knowledge
involves intelligence,
emotion and skill.
3. Edward deBono compares our mental process
with three parts of an automobile engine.
◦ Motor = intelligence
◦ Fuel = knowledge
◦ Tune-up = thinking
Just as there are different types
of motors - four cylinders, six
cylinders and eight cylinders,
there are different types of intelligence.
When all three elements of an engine work together
the car runs well. Likewise, when all three mental
processes are working well, a person is considered to
be smart.
4. Each person has a certain sized motor
(aka intelligence)
The grade of fuel (knowledge) can be
raised by reading books, taking
classes, reading the newspaper, etc.
The more information we expose
ourselves to, the more knowledge we
receive.
The level of tuning (thinking skills)
can always improve as well.
5. Lateral thinking is a way of solving problems
using creative new approaches. Rather than
relying on the same perceptions, concepts
and boundaries we normally use, we need to
think outside the box and bring in new ideas
in order to approach the problem from a
different angle.
6. Edward deBono defines lateral
thinking using four aspects:
◦ 1) recognize main ideas
◦ 2) search for different ways of looking
at things
◦ 3) be flexible in your thinking
◦ 4) use change to encourage other ideas
7. Lateral thinking can:
◦ turn problems into opportunities
◦ find alternative solutions
◦ increase the number of new ideas using
unconventional thinking
◦ give a new starting point to come up with new
solutions
8. Traditional IQ focused on two types of
intelligence.
◦ Linguistic intelligence (using words and language)
◦ Logical-mathematical intelligence (reasoning)
Michael Gardner goes beyond this and
defines eight types of intelligence.
11. Being able to identify with and empathize with
others, relating to them effectively shows a high
level of emotional intelligence.
Daniel Goleman believes that emotional
intelligence is a foundation for social
intelligence.
To understand one’s own level of
emotional intelligence just take an
Emotional Intelligence Test.
12. There is a difference between
intelligence and thinking
There are different types of intelligence
Thinking is a skill that can be improved
Emotions need to be understood and used
No matter how “smart” a person is, they can
always improve.
