A Technique for Producing Ideas: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of A Technique for Producing Ideas, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Ideas follow a process
Young, an advertising executive, argues that producing ideas follows a definite process that can be learned.
His short book describes the steps he observed in his own work. Young thought anyone could improve with practice.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
New ideas combine old elements
Young argues that an idea is nothing more than a new combination of old elements.
Seeing relationships between facts makes this possible. In his view, creative people are those who see how separate facts connect in a fresh way.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Gather raw material
Young's first step is gathering material, both specific facts about the problem and general knowledge about life.
In his account, a rich store of facts and experience gives the mind something to work with, so this is the slow and tiring part.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Digest the material
Young's second step is working over the material in the mind, looking for connections.
In his account, the writer turns the facts over, tries to fit them together, and writes down half-formed ideas.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Let the unconscious work
Young's third step is to put the problem aside and let the unconscious mind work on it.
In his account, after strong effort the thinker stops pushing and turns to something relaxing, such as music or a story.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Insight arrives suddenly
Young describes how the idea often appears suddenly, when least expected.
In his account, it often arrives while shaving, walking or waking from sleep, when the mind is relaxed. Young sees it as a reward for earlier work.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Shape the idea
Young's final step is to test and develop the idea, sharing it with others for criticism.
In his account, a first idea is often rough, and exposing it to other people helps it grow into something more useful.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Broad knowledge helps
Young argues that people with wide interests have more material to combine.
In his account, a mind that has taken in many subjects has more pieces to fit together. He saw wide curiosity as raw material.
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