How to Have a Beautiful Mind [Paperback]

Edward de Bono (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2004

Despite the modern day emphasis on physical appearance, there is an easier way to become a desirable person rather than dieting or buying expensive clothes. Regardless of outer appearance, if people have minds that are fascinating, creative, and exciting—if they are good thinkers—they can be beautiful. The clear, practical instructions in this guide demonstrate how applying lateral and parallel thinking skills to conversation can improve the mind. The greatest impact is made on others through speech, and by learning how to listen, make a point, and maneuver a discussion, anyone can become more imaginative, more engaging, and more beautiful.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Edward de Bono is the author of more than 60 books and the creator of the concept of “Lateral Thinking.” His business methods are currently taught by more than 900 trainers in 28 countries around the world and are used by such leading corporations as IBM, Motorola, and Prudential.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ebury Press (June 3, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0091894603
• ISBN-13: 978-0091894603
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fairly interesting, December 11, 2005

By 

Lim Keith "EvilDM" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Have a Beautiful Mind (Paperback)

The book is about building a beautiful mind to enhance ones' appeal (regardless of IQ, knowledge, or looks).

First 7 chapters deals pretty much with holding a decent conversation. Much of this sounds like common sense, but sometimes 'not so common' to some people. When holding a conversation, agreeing to everything is no good, as the other party might as well be talking to himself. Disagreeing everything is bad as it shows a mind that wants to demonstrate superiority to others (thus is ugly). There are many levels in between total agreement and disagreement. You can agree on certain points and disagree on certain points (agree to disagree). The key is to find out what you agree and disagree based on mutual understand of each others' values, point of view, personal experience, and extrapolation of what happens in the future. Once you understand the other party's 'logic bubble', you would be able to hold a better conversation without misunderstandings and negative emotions. To make the conversation interesting, you should also supplement , speculate, provide what-ifs, be open to alternatives, and explore points of interest. Edward explores the way you can do all these.

Chapter 8 addressed the concept of "6 Thinking Hats" or Parallel thinking (Edward has a whole book on this btw). In a Court of Law, a prosecutor will not mention points which will help a defence case, and vice versa for the defence attorney. Our usual thinking is based on using arguments as a method, as put forward by the Greeks: Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. In an argument, each party is usually looking from his own side. Edward gives an alternative method called Parallel thinking where everyone explores the same side, and goes around to all sides until a complete view is understood. This is covered in more details in another book.

The book is easy to understand and digest, and filled with interesting examples of cases where we should look at both sides to understand the whole picture. I also liked the way that some concepts are indexed (see also page so-and-so) which makes it easy to refer. The book has been an interesting read for me.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A waste of money, December 16, 2007

By 

John Felan "John Felan" (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Have a Beautiful Mind (Paperback)

There is nothing new from de Bono in this book.

I have great respect for Edward de Bono's work and his 6 Thinking Hats concept and I use his ideas frequently in my work but this book does him no credit.

It is difficult to believe that he personally wrote it. It looks like his 'creative' team have pulled this together out of his previous work and wrapped it in a pretty cover. This is just a cheap marketing trap.

I'll be more wary of anything with the Edward de Bono brand in the future.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, October 30, 2005

By 

Rajesh Soundararajan "Ciggy" (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Have a Beautiful Mind (Paperback)

This is another good piece from DeBono. The popular concept of "six thinking hats" is addressed - just enough to understand and apply. Clearly, the first 2/3 of the book is excellent with simple examples to relate to most we do.

The last 1/3 is a bit of a drag. May be would not have made any difference if the book were thinner ;-)

Over all a good read, May be borrowing will work well than buying.