Handbook for the Positive Revolution

by Edward de Bono

Sets out practical steps for achieving positive change - whether on a personal or a global scale.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Education, Psychology, Philosophy

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 5, 1991

About the author

Edward de Bono was a Maltese physician, author, inventor, and consultant. He is best known as the originator of the term lateral thinking (structured creativity) and the leading proponent of the deliberate teaching of thinking in schools.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instead of "negative revolutions" where unsatisfied citizens rebel against the prevailing system, De Bono supports a path towards progress that dodges conflict. The basic method is to transcend problems rather than wade through them. Work silently to make a contribution, and people will support you without realizing that they've modified their previous values. Woo

[Golda Mowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ideas are presented in simple terms, making it easy reading. Use the 5 fingers on your hand as reminders of success principles which include respect for your fellowmen and contribution to society. Nice way to remind us that we cannot prosper alone.

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok if you are a fan of Edward De Bono....this book may disappoint. Ok for the abstract info, the details are a bit overdone.

[Daniel Tolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Edward de Boon's work and especially this book. There is some great concepts and the idea of creating an effectiveness club is a brilliant idea too. I goal of mine is to bring together 8 to 12 people to begin an effectiveness club on line and support one another in projects and the development of personal skills. If you on Facebook check out http://www.facebook.com/groups/189557... which is the positive revolution page.

Hope to see you there.

[Sharen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward De Bono shows how each of us can make a positive difference for a kinder, more positive-thinking world. Simple steps - already in evidence through Pinterest: "The ultimate power of the positive revolution is the power of spreading." (p.131) Spreading positive feelings, spreading peace and kindness, spreading constuctive ideas for caring for the environment and each other. Yes!

[Abe Hanara · Rating 3 out of 5]

good read

[JP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good
Bland not interesting
But full of ideas
Should have read 30 yrs before
may be found useful

[Angelo Abequibel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Handbook for the Positive Revolution presents an appealing vision of social change rooted in optimism, cooperation, and individual contribution. Edward de Bono’s intention is clearly constructive: to move away from violent or destructive revolutions and replace them with a culture of gradual, positive action. However, while the premise is admirable, the execution often feels more idealistic than realistic.

One of the book’s main weaknesses is its tendency to oversimplify complex social problems. De Bono places heavy faith in positivity and collective goodwill, yet gives limited attention to structural forces such as political power, economic inequality, and systemic injustice. In reality, social change rarely unfolds through optimism alone; it often involves resistance, conflict, and uncomfortable confrontations with entrenched systems. By downplaying these realities, the book risks sounding naïve and detached from how change actually occurs.

Additionally, the text can feel repetitive and dated, recycling the same ideas without developing them into concrete, actionable strategies. While the language is accessible, it sometimes lacks the depth needed to inspire serious engagement or sustained action. Certain symbolic gestures and ritual-like suggestions also come across as gimmicky, weakening the book’s credibility as a serious guide for social transformation.

Ultimately, Handbook for the Positive Revolution works better as a motivational manifesto than as a practical handbook. It succeeds in encouraging readers to think constructively, but falls short of addressing the harsh, messy realities of social change. A more grounded approach—one that balances optimism with realism and critical analysis—would have made its message far more compelling and enduring.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated, Naieve and repetative in the extreme.
Despite this, worth skim reading for a few pearls of clarity.
A book on the author's idea of utopia.
Divested of his jargon and waffle, some of the systems thinking is sound, or at least thought provoking, but it is a slog.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a good self improvement book, but feels dated….

[Montse Roset · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molt interessant. Està escrit i traduit de manera una mica extranya, però el missatge és molt bo.

[mavromou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este es un libro que sirve mas para conocer al autor que a su obra. Con cada nuevo libro de De Bono que uno lee, le dan ganas de leer otro. En este caso, el autor muestra uno de los propósitos para los cuales desarrolló el pensamiento lateral.

Lo bueno de este libro es que una persona tan inteligente como es De Bono haya elaborado una propuesta que muchos de los intelectuales de hoy llamarían naif.

[Alin-Mihai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea itself is simple and interesting but not that new. I would say that the book is the organization of different positive ideas into one in order to provide a framework on which to build upon.
The book is quick read and a bit childish in its drawings but a pleasant read nonetheless.
As of now (2019) I have not really heard of the positive revolution in itself so I guess the idea did not gain that much power from when the book was initially released.

[Jesus Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó la forma de ver la revolución positiva, es una forma de mejorar y de encontrar sentido a la vida, es una manera positiva de buscar soluciones a los problemas y de generar valores que ayudan a generar sinergia entre nosotros, por eso, como dice de Bono, no tiene enemigos, ni los busca, solo compromiso de mejorar y ayudar a otros.

[Natasa Tovornik · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always with DeBono nicely structured and explained. It covers the topic completely from A-Z and this was a bit much for me to read. But in any way a great handbook for becoming more positive or starting a (positive) revolution.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great guiding principles for anyone seeking a “positive revolution” in their own lives or broader society. He goes a bit too far in outlining specific greetings, flags, etc. as symbols of this positive social movement, though.

[Izzy Ellis (de Bono) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marking as read but honestly I couldn't finish it
Honestly I felt like I was reading Nazi propaganda (not the "kill the other" type but the bit about creating an exclusive cult)
Haven't worked out exactly what I hated the most, it was just making me unhappy the more I read

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this book will not make me start a positive revolution it may just remind me i need to be a bit more positive

[Claude · Rating 3 out of 5]

"As a rainfall, tiny contributions come together to give a powerful river that in time sculpts the landscape."

[Khotso Le Mateitei · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good start to living healthy