Radiant Thinking
The brain works in a non-linear fashion, often making connections to a central concept or idea seemingly at random. These thoughts can "radiate" out from a central concept in dozens of directions. Methods to describe and enhance this kind of creative thought can be grouped under the term "radiant thinking." This method is the opposite of linear thinking, which attempts to generate ideas or come to a solution in a linear, or step-by-step process.
Radiant thinking is a term coined by Tony Buzan, and most fully defined and described in his book on Mind Mapping. Radiant thinking in many ways emulates patterns found in nature. If radiant patterns are natural, then it follows that radiant thinking may be an instinctive way of developing and defining ideas within the mind.
Radiant thinking usually begins with the central concept or problem at the center, and various ideas and solutions radiating out from that point. Each new point becomes the center of its own radiant thoughts, eventually generating branch after branch of diverse thought. One advantage to radiant thinking is that it can incorporate all thoughts--even those that do not directly relate to the central problem.
Because the brain is believed to work in this non-linear, radiant fashion, Buzan also notes that it may be easier to remember and associate ideas when discovered and defined in a radiant fashion.
|
For Further Reading On This Topic...
