How To Have A Beautiful Mind

Maybe a few readers will benefit from the small quantity of directly applicable tips, such as how to word objections to an argument without causing offence, but too often in this book the advice is either too obvious to be worth pointing out, or too vague to be applied by anyone that doesn't already know the fact.

This might be a good introductory book for anyone who feels that his other works are a bit too intellectual or who just wants a brief overview of the different aspects of conversation.


Waste of time?   March 21, 2005
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I bought this book on the back of a magazine's review, unsure of what it was really about. Having finished it, I must say I am none the wiser. The author writes endless lists of common-sense comments, and it is hard to see who might benefit from his insights. Rather than to help you develop conversational skills, I find the book is just an enumeration of what makes up conversation (ie repeating, summarizing, agreeing, disagreeing), with little practical advice on how to make yours more sparking. Tony Buzan or Carol Stone have both written brilliant books that give tips one can start practising straight away.


A magnet for interesting ladies!   December 8, 2004
6 out of 12 found this review helpful

How to have a Beautiful Mind is like a Mosaic Map of his previous thinking. I found this book a very useful tool because it helps me bridge into his different thinking topics. This book sparked my interest into revisiting de Bono's earlier work for an in depth dive into the topics of Lateral thinking, Simplification, Future Positive, Parallel Thinking, and Practical Thinking.

Practicing how to have a beautiful mind definitely attracts the ladies! If they don't fall in love with you immediately, then you need to practice your thinking skills.


Guide to splendid conversation   July 25, 2004
Pieter (Johannesburg)
33 out of 35 found this review helpful

De Bono defines the beautiful mind as one that can be appreciated by others and claims that the beauty of the mind increases with the wisdom and experience of age. In this book he leads the reader through a series of chapters on conversational techniques, providing a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter. Anyone can apply these, as the beauty of the mind is not dependent on a high IQ, voluminous knowledge of natural charm. Any discussion ought to be a genuine attempt to explore a subject rather than a battle of egos. The chapters include How To Agree, Disagree Differ, Be Interesting, Respond, Listen, How To Phrase Questions, plus Concepts, Alternatives, Emotions and Feelings, Values, Diversions, Opinion, Interruption and Attitude. Many techniques for creativity, imagination and empathy are provided. The book is really about simple conversational tactics based on common sense, good manners and is full of illuminating observations on various conversational situations.