SiteA Whack on the Side of the Head
2008 is the 25th anniversary of Roger von Oech’s creative thinking classic A Whack on the Side of the Head. One piece of advice he gives that I really like is to “play the fool.” When confronted with a problem you have, a “rule” you follow in your writing, or an idea you’re trying to develop, what would a fool say? The answer could help you make the leap from same-old-same-old to a truly creative idea. Von Oech writes:
Look at the problem before you and say, “It’s not what everyone thinks it is” and then give a different interpretation of what’s going on. Deny that the problem even exists, or maybe solve a different one. Doubt the things that others take for granted. Ridicule your basic assumptions. Expect the unexpected. Ask the stupid question that nobody else seems to be asking. Do whatever you can to shatter the established way of looking at things. You’ll find that it will stimulate your creative juices.
Want more? Check out von Oech’s blog. [lf]
4 Responses to “A Whack on the Side of the Head”
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Roger von Oech
Said this on August 4th, 2008 at 11:20am:Dear Ren, Thanks for the nice story about the 25h Anniversary Edition of “Whack.” Like you, I’ve always liked the fool as well. Best wishes to you and your readers.
Nicole LaMarco
Said this on August 4th, 2008 at 3:13pm:Sounds like something I should read!
Debbi
Said this on August 4th, 2008 at 10:32pm:I have my own version of this: if everyone else zigs, try zagging.
Star
Said this on August 5th, 2008 at 12:40pm:I used to “teach” this book at the Smithsonian! I was deighted to be reminded! What fun.