Edward de Bono on creativity

     Edward de Bono, creativity expert for over 30 years now, writes (among many other aspects) about the misperceptions regarding the topic.
     Firstly, the most common error of all: it is a natural talent and it cannot be taught. de Bono counters the argument with a very intuitive example. He envisions a row of people competing against each other at a marathon. Obviously, someone would come first, and another, last, therefore performance depended on natural running ability. Then, the invention of the roller skates occurs, and the runners are taught to use them. The race takes place again, everyone is obviously faster, but someone would still come first and another last. What does this mean? It means that if we do nothing about creativity, yes, it will depend on natural talent, essentially. But if we provide with training, techniques and so on, we can increase the creative ability.
     Creativity as art is another misperception. People tend to acknowledge the two terms as being synonymous. This is why they believe that creativity is best taught by artists. de Bono asserts that not all artists are creative, instead, they are powerful stylists in perception and expression. He continues by saying that a race driver is not the best designer of racing cars OR the best racing teacher.
     Others believe that training on creativity has the main goal of "releasing the creativity in you". Closely related to the first misperception, it is countered by de Bono who states that the human brain is NOT designed to be creative. "The excellence of the human brain is that is is designed to form patterns from the world around us and then to stick to these patterns". He calls this the dynamic of perception.
      Creativity because of intelligence: Another aspect that Edward de Bono contests. He exemplifies that usually, the highly intelligent are encouraged not to speculate; when knowing that an idea is absurd, the intelligent would most probably not present it. This immediately creates a wall from creativity. The less intelligent, because of the lack of knowledge that an idea might not work can "score" higher for an additional idea. This is why it is a question of habit, education, and so on. And above all, another reason for creativity to be achieved as a skill.

     There are many more ideas that de Bono presents regarding creativity in all its aspects. But the essential message is that creativity is a skill, and not a gift. Hence, the possibility/need for it to be taught.