--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The vertical thinker says: 'I know what I…" description: "\"The vertical thinker says: 'I know what I am looking for.' The lateral thinker says: 'I am looking but I won't know what I am looking for until I have ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/804/edward-de-bono-2489_found_the-vertical-thinker-says-i-know-what-i_350568.png" --- # The vertical thinker says: 'I know what I am looking for.'… ![“The vertical thinker says: 'I know what I am looking for.' The lateral thinker says: 'I am looking but I won't know what I am looking for until I have found it.'” quote by Edward de Bono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/804/edward-de-bono-2489_found_the-vertical-thinker-says-i-know-what-i_350568.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/804/edward-de-bono-2489_found_the-vertical-thinker-says-i-know-what-i_350568.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/804/edward-de-bono-2489_found_the-vertical-thinker-says-i-know-what-i_350568.png) > “The vertical thinker says: 'I know what I am looking for.' The lateral thinker says: 'I am looking but I won't know what I am looking for until I have found it.'” [Edward de Bono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-de-bono/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A vertical thinker seeks a known goal, while a lateral thinker embraces uncertainty, discovering goals only after exploration. **In simple terms:** Vertical seeks known goals; lateral embraces unknown. Key Takeaway Be open to uncertain paths. Themes creativity problem solving mindset Mood curious reflective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - business strategy - creative projects - personal growth - research - innovation Key Concepts lateral thinking vertical thinking uncertainty Questions to Reflect On - Do you prefer certainty or discovery? - How can you balance both approaches? 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