The De Bono Code Book

by Edward de Bono

Language has been the biggest help to human progress. But,, ironically, language has also become the barrier to its own development. we are locked in to words and concepts that are limited and out of date. These force us to see the world in a very old-fashioned way. Like any self-organising system, language has become bogged down in its own equilibrium. The marvellous flexibility of language for description does not enable us to hold complex concepts in our minds. Such concepts exist only while we describe them. The purpose of the two code systems put forward in this book is to allow us to design, hold and use complicated new ideas. since new words would sound bizarre and grotesque, the new concepts are expressed in a number code. This is no different from remembering and using telephone some you know and others you look up. There are a wide range of codes in this book which help overcome the language barriers in anything from relationships to travel. An important and powerful "pre-code" is also given. The codes presented here are just the beginning of the limitless range of the De Bono Code.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Hardcover

First published August 31, 2000

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

[Reuben Crisp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage. Every copy deserves nothing more than to be be flayed from it's cover before being burned.

Initially intriguing, but it goes downhill fast. The book's premise is that natural languages are fundamentally broken, this is true. Miscommunication is an unsolved problem. Edward's proposed solution? replace language with coded numbers, where each number designates a specific proposition or speech act. The numbers are specific and accurate thus removing all ambiguity and vagueness from communication, eat your heart out Wittgenstein!

This idea is fucking stupid because Edward has chosen to define each code with the English language itself. He find's sand to be unsuitable to live on, so he build's a house using the sand as a foundation.

Also, the code-number descriptions appear to be written by an alien with remedial language skills attempting to describe interpersonal human interaction using only US sitcoms as reference material. It's awkward and cringe inducing, with such propositions as "request to continue relationship".

Awful book, do not waste your time.

[Abe Hanara · Rating 5 out of 5]

i see this book becoming as common as the dictionary in classrooms, business's and most importantly the home. Well atleast it is in my home, and have found the value in this simple concept of communication. As noted in the early pages of this book, those that have a position of recognised eloquence in the world of english may perceive the concepts discussed in this book to disregard or dis-credit their time of study in the english language, however I beleive it will only add to their skills as talented communicators, as another arrow in their quiver for promoting effective communication.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent concepts. It would however require everyone you know and deal with on a regular basis to be fluent in the code. The code does have a natural ability to succinctly convey a particular meaning or feeling, while being defusing in a volatile situation.

[Adonis Halaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic Squares was the only value I received from this book.
The numbers 1 thru 9 are placed on a 3by3 matrix
7 8 3
1 2 6
5 4 9

[Luke Wenke · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the book de Bono is sure that these codes will be widely used but this hasn't been the case. A major problem is that he doesn't allow the codes to be reprinted in any form without a formal license. He writes "The copyright has to be strictly protected in order to preserve the purity of the codes and therefore their power". He suggests a new way of pronouncing the 10 digits - it would be easier for everyone to just learn the English digit words. Using the codes means that people need to own his out of print book. An alternative would be to just use the summary phrase - e.g. "don't play the martyr" or "I feel creative". This could be in English so in most cases one party would already be familiar with the meanings. He also invented a series of obscure hand signals. Pictures would have been useful.

It is an interesting read though to browse through the phrases/concepts that he has codes for.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Precision in terms of intent. The De Bono code (so aptly named) is a series of number codes that reveals how you feel about the overall situation, thus giving context to your words. It's a good reference book, i think, just to remind you how different people might be feeling. It's cumbersome though, too cumbersome for serious consideration (in my opinion).

[Luis Colon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting idea but I already have enough trouble remembering and communicating in English without having to memorize a code for it and then trying to convince the world to carry dictionaries so that they can understand what I am trying to say.
It's an 'in' group thing.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Edward de Bono's books that demonstrates his out of the box thinking. While the practical application of some of the suggestion falls shorter than the theory, nonetheless the concepts may trigger a new way for you to approach certain challenges.