Metaphors are strong mountains
Realize the value of identifying metaphor
Background
We think in metaphors-and we do it more often than we realize. A metaphor is an excellent way of explaining something new by using a toolbox of old experiences.
Have you ever realized that we often use metaphors taken from the world of birds to describe ideas? We brood over a thought, hatch ideas that are as delicate as eggshells and when an idea really take off, it soars away on the wings of creativity. The whole idea process is similar to that of a bird’s development.
Another classic example arose when a group of arms manufacturers were developing a new weapon for the air force. They could not come up with any ideas, so a member of the group suggested that they change metaphor. “Imagine that we’re in the desert”, he said to the others. “Describe what you see.” “I see a cactus,” said one. “I see am oasis”, said another. “I see a sidewinder”, said a third. A side winder is a snake that hone in on its prey by detecting its body hear. Suddenly, one of the engineers had a brainwave. “Couldn’t we make a missile capable of detecting the heat from an enemy engine?” they worked on this idea and developed the highly successful heat-seeking missile, the Sidewinder.
Which metaphor best describes your branch? Which metaphor have you chosen for the problem you are working on now? It is often the case that we have not identified the metaphor that is relevant for us. And by not identifying it, we cannot see if the metaphor that is relevant for us. And by not identifying it, we cannot see if the metaphor has forced us into corner or not.
Activity
How can we generate ideas by developing a metaphor? Can we create a nest of idea? Can we feed newly-hatched thoughts? Must an idea cry out for food? Do migratory ideas develop best by flying south when winter comes? Try to develop the idea/egg/bird metaphor.
Always try to identify and develop the metaphor that forms the basis of the idea you are currently working on.
Realize the value of identifying metaphor
Background
We think in metaphors-and we do it more often than we realize. A metaphor is an excellent way of explaining something new by using a toolbox of old experiences.
Have you ever realized that we often use metaphors taken from the world of birds to describe ideas? We brood over a thought, hatch ideas that are as delicate as eggshells and when an idea really take off, it soars away on the wings of creativity. The whole idea process is similar to that of a bird’s development.
Another classic example arose when a group of arms manufacturers were developing a new weapon for the air force. They could not come up with any ideas, so a member of the group suggested that they change metaphor. “Imagine that we’re in the desert”, he said to the others. “Describe what you see.” “I see a cactus,” said one. “I see am oasis”, said another. “I see a sidewinder”, said a third. A side winder is a snake that hone in on its prey by detecting its body hear. Suddenly, one of the engineers had a brainwave. “Couldn’t we make a missile capable of detecting the heat from an enemy engine?” they worked on this idea and developed the highly successful heat-seeking missile, the Sidewinder.
Which metaphor best describes your branch? Which metaphor have you chosen for the problem you are working on now? It is often the case that we have not identified the metaphor that is relevant for us. And by not identifying it, we cannot see if the metaphor that is relevant for us. And by not identifying it, we cannot see if the metaphor has forced us into corner or not.
Activity
How can we generate ideas by developing a metaphor? Can we create a nest of idea? Can we feed newly-hatched thoughts? Must an idea cry out for food? Do migratory ideas develop best by flying south when winter comes? Try to develop the idea/egg/bird metaphor.
Always try to identify and develop the metaphor that forms the basis of the idea you are currently working on.
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