Edward de Bono's Weekly Message 8.18.08

Youth Crime

I have recently had serious meetings both in London and Johannesburg with people concerned with youth crime.
There are two things which everyone needs. They are 'significance' and 'achievement'.
In today's world the only way a youngster can get these is through crime. There is the significance of belonging to a gang or showing off to your peers. There is the immediate achievement of crime: stolen goods, graffiti, a broken window.
There is very little opportunity for positive achievement. Schoolwork is not enough. Sport is not enough. Learning to play tennis in the hope that one day you might win at Wimbledon is too remote. There is a need for achievement as immediate as that of crime.
In my next message I shall outline a project.

Edward de Bono's Weekly Message 8.11.08

'Creativity'

In 2009 the theme of the European Union is going to be 'Creativity'. The 'Palace of Thinking' outline in my previous messages would fit directly into this theme. As an exhortation creativity is almost useless. When specific techniques and skills are applied it becomes possible to generate new ideas in any field.

So I want all of you who read these messages to help me in making it happen. There is an urgency in the matter both because I am getting older and because the Palace needs to be functioning for the year of Creativity in 2009.

Your role, at this point, would be to put the concept before those who could make it happen.

--Dr. Edward de Bono

Edward de Bono's Weekly Message 8.04.08

Palace of Thinking

I am going to set up an independent, international body to generate the new ideas that are needed. This body will hold international meetings on specified issues and publish the results. This body will collect and also generate new ideas. These will also be published. The body may also be a convenient channel through which governments can put forward new ideas that the government cannot put forward directly.
I am going to set up a 'Palace of Thinking'. This must be an iconic building which will look impressive in photographs in newspapers and on television. This will give thinking the dignity and importance it deserves.
It is not yet determined where the Palace will be located. This will depend upon the offer of a suitable premise for the Palace or sponsorship.If you like the idea you may be able to help.

Dr. Edward de Bono- 7.31.08