Business Quote by Edward de Bono
“Traditional thinking is all about "what is" Future thinking will also need to be about what can be.”
About This Quote
Traditional thinking focuses on existing reality, while future thinking expands to possibilities and potential actions.
In simple terms: Contrast between present reality and future possibilities.
Key Takeaway
Shift from static analysis to proactive imagination.
Themes
innovation
strategic planning
creativity
future studies
mindset
Mood
inspired
optimistic
forward‑looking
Type
philosophical
motivational
strategic
When to use this quote
- business strategy development
- personal goal setting
- policy forecasting
- product design
Key Concepts
present vs future
possibility thinking
proactive mindset
Practical Applications
- scenario planning
- ideation workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you incorporate 'what can be' into your current decision-making?
- What barriers prevent you from envisioning future possibilities?
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)