Casinos Quote by Robert Bly
“If you want to know what it will be like when we are more deeply into the horizontal, simply go to one of the Indian casinos. The Native Americans, who stand for vertical thinking more than anyone else in our culture, have been setting up totally flat casinos for honkies.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Horizontal vs Vertical Thinking, 1990s
The quote uses Indian casinos as a metaphor for flat, horizontal thinking versus vertical, hierarchical thinking.
In simple terms: Flat thinking is illustrated by casinos; vertical thinking by Native Americans.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance different thinking styles.
Themes
thinking
culture
metaphor
perspective
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- urban planning
- social dynamics
- design thinking
Key Concepts
horizontal vs vertical thinking
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does horizontal thinking affect innovation?
- When is vertical thinking preferable?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify cultural differences.
