Here is a suggestion that even I have been guilty of not living up to but should have.

Dr. Edward de Bono, a physician who has contributed much in the area of thinking improvement, suggested a way of evaluating ideas, as cited by Rose & Nicholl in Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century (1997).

First determine what's for the idea and then what's against it. (It's important to do this in this order because this way it will be easier to think more comprehensively of the pros.) [Also, pique your curiosity by looking for "interesting," neutral points -- i.e., finish the following sentences: "What would be the reaction if..." and "What would transpire if..." and "The neutral implications of the issue are...."]

This way, you won't dismiss a good idea and won't uphold a bad one. That is, your evaluation won't be as influenced by feelings that are impertinent at the time of thinking. Furthermore, even bad ideas can be seen as interesting, leading to other ideas, thus improving your creativity. [Note that creative thinkers value ideas, even if they're bad. (See Allen's Boost Your Creativity.)

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree