Books like Lateral Thinking
Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono reads as instructive, analytical. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.
What Lateral Thinking is like to read
A foundational, accessible guide to lateral thinking as a systematic alternative to linear problem-solving. Designed to equip readers with concrete techniques for generating creative solutions in professional and educational contexts. Best for: business professionals, managers, educators, innovation teams seeking structured creativity methods.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman · 2011
A lucid, example-rich tour through the two systems of the mind that reframes how you understand your own judgment — dense with studies but conversational, best absorbed in delibera
Serious creativity
Edward de Bono · 1992
A methodical, instructive walkthrough of structured creativity techniques, written like a practical toolkit rather than a narrative — the experience is closer to a workshop manual than a story.
Thinkertoys
Michael Michalko · 1991
A toolkit-style romp through dozens of named idea-generation techniques, each illustrated with brisk business anecdotes — designed to be dipped into rather than read straight through.
Use both sides of your brain
Tony Buzan · 1976
A practical, instructive guide walking readers through concrete techniques like mind mapping to improve thinking and learning.
Limitless
Jim Kwik · 2020
An upbeat, motivational how-to-learn manual packed with mnemonic tricks, mindset reframes, and success stories.
Whack On the Side of the Head
Roger Von Oech · 1973
A practical, exercise-driven guide meant to be worked through rather than read straight, nudging readers to loosen rigid thinking patterns.
Applied Imagination
Alex Faickney Osborn · 1953
A foundational midcentury business text that introduced brainstorming to the world — earnest, methodical, and full of practical exercises for unlocking group creativity.
Built to Last
Collins, James C. · 1994
A research-driven examination of what makes visionary companies endure, delivered with methodical case-study rigor and practical takeaways rather than narrative flair.
Creative Confidence
Tom Kelley · 2013
An upbeat, story-driven pep talk arguing that creativity is a learnable skill, illustrated with case studies from IDEO and Stanford's d.
Getting to yes
Roger Drummer Fisher · 1981
A brisk, clearly-organized playbook that reframes negotiation as joint problem-solving, with tidy principles and worked examples you can apply the same afternoon.
The art of negotiating
Gerard I. Nierenberg · 1968
A practical, instructive guide that walks through negotiation as a psychological process, favoring frameworks and reasoning over narrative drama.
The art of thinking clearly
Rolf Dobelli · 2013
Ninety-nine bite-sized chapters walk you through cognitive biases with brisk, plainspoken examples — snackable, mildly wry, and easy to dip in and out of.
About Lateral Thinking — what the genome says
Who is Lateral Thinking for?
business professionals, managers, educators, innovation teams seeking structured creativity methods
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