cover image Handbook for the Positive Revolution

Handbook for the Positive Revolution

Edward de Bono. Viking Books, $22 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-670-83012-1

De Bono ( I Am Right You Are Wrongpunc. ok ), who is credited with originating the term ``lateral thinking,'' here advocates a positive, direct approach as the most effective means of personal or worldwide change. In a book printed on ``cheerful'' yellow paper, he proposes a philosophy to end not only individual misery, but also war and other global problems. To overthrow negativity, he suggests the use of such symbols as armbands and the hand (whose digits stand for such values as effectiveness and self-improvement) to energize the ``yellow revolution.'' It's hard to take issue with de Bono's sincerity and upbeat arguments, but this often scattershot collection of advice and aphorisms (``In the positive revolution there are no enemies'') doesn't carry much force. (July)