Positive Revolution

The positive revolution is a worldwide revolution promoted by Edward de Bono in his book, Handbook for the Positive Revolution (1991), also known as "the Yellow Book." It is the culmination of many of his approaches to the future, in particular his notion of "The Happiness Purpose."

The common current way of solving problems and differences is through the use of opposing forces in conflict. This was the negative revolution. Force is applied to an enemy with a goal of overthrowing it by using overwhelming power in direct confrontation. This system requires two polarized "sides" which attack each other head-on.

The positive revolution is a new paradigm of the use of a variety of forces to go around the enemy and solve problems in new ways. The focus is not on vanquishing the enemy, but on building a better structure. The energy is directed toward construction rather than destruction.
(See Yellow Book introduction)

Why do we need a positive revolution?
An emphasis on negativity seriously impedes progress. In order to go forward, we need to develop and nurture creative, constructive, and design energies instead of energies spent in destruction and conflict.

Humanity needs to change its perceptions and values, placing higher worth on that which is constructive and creative. An emphasis on productiveness supports progress, because the more you invest in the positive revolution, the more you (and everyone else) will get out of it. Furthermore, it's fun! The world would spin on its axis a bit easier if there were more fun and laughter.
In a positive revolution, there are no enemies.
(See Yellow Book introduction)

What is wrong with our current system?
In our current system, people in power use their resources and intelligence to defend their position and survive. They look after their own interests shortsightedly, without taking a longer view of the impact their actions have on the greater world. Intelligent people, who should know better, sling mud, confuse issues, attack, criticize and blame others.
Negative revolutionaries also take themselves too seriously. In our current system, having a light heart and a sense of humour often precludes getting your voice heard in the halls of power.
Many participants in our system seem to believe it's a "zero-sum game." In game theory, a "zero-sum game" is one in which someone must be defeated in order for someone to win. In other words, the winner takes all, and all other players lose. Another way to look at it is as if the "prizes" in the game are finite, and so what is gained by the winner is lost by the loser. Life is not like this; win-win solutions and compromises are possible, and usually preferable.
Our Western system is like two people in a tug of war: both sides are expending a lot of energy, but nobody is accomplishing or producing much.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 1-7)

Is the positive revolution a political party?
No. Political parties encourage polarization and regarding other parties as "the enemy." It is possible to use the techniques of the positive revolution to work toward a variety of particular goals, apart from or in concert with specific political agendas.
Also, making the positive revolution a political party would encourage polarization by creating an "Us and Them" mentality; it's more in tune with the positive revolution's principles to help standing parties work together toward common positive goals. Furthermore, since the goals of the positive revolution are wide-based, constructive and positive, it's reasonable to believe that all other parties would benefit from working toward them. If a party cannot support positive goals, it becomes necessary to question the basis of that party, and for the party to explain why it clings to negative goals.
The FAQ maintainers believe that political factions themselves are indigenous to the modern political scene, yet not in keeping with the positive revolution's long-term success. Particularly in the United States, two-party politics leads to extreme polarization, with political action committees, lobbies, and similar groups affecting the system as more parties might in another system (but with less real power for minority groups). We believe that the melting of party lines, and the eventual obsolescence of insular political factions, should be an early step toward a more positive future.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 152-154)

How would a positive revolution work?
In essence, old-style revolution is concerned with hard forces directed in narrow channels toward a provided goal. By contast, the positive revolution is concerned with more organic action and creativity, and generating situations that inspire and nurture growth.
Some examples:
Instead of attacking something, it's better to build something new and better.
Instead of criticizing, create a better design.
Instead of using hard-edged "rock logic," use flowing "water logic."
Change comes through perception, rather than violence, and is powered by information rather than weapons.
Instead of relying on a centrally-organized system, the revolution grows from a self-organizing system.
Instead of providing direction through ideology and dogma, create a flexibility that allows changes in direction.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 6-7)

What is the foundation of the positive revolution?
The positive revolution is built on three solid foundations -- Principles, Methods and Power -- in the same way a stool has three legs that make it stable on rough ground.
Principles ... design with direction rather than destruction
Methods ... of change
Power ... of perception, information and effectiveness rather than violence and destruction
(See Yellow Book, p. 9 and forward)

What are the five principles of the positive revolution?
The symbol of the positive revolution is the open hand. The five principles can be mapped onto the fingers to help remember them.
Effectiveness: making sure that what you intend to do gets done. Symbolized by the thumb, without which the hand is not effective.
Constructiveness: ensuring that everything you do follows a positive direction. Symbolized by the index finger, the finger used to point a direction.
Respect: treating others as human beings, with human rights and human dignity. A revolution by people is also for people, so respect is essential. As this is considered the most important principle of all, it's symbolized by the longest finger, the middle finger... contrary to popular usage. :-)
Self-Improvement: continuously increasing positive attitude, habits and skills while decreasing negative ones. Every individual has the right as well as the duty to make himself or herself better. This is symbolized by the ring finger, which is seldom most prominent in our actions, but is always there.
Contribution: giving what you can toward bringing the positive revolution to pass. Symbolized by the little finger, meaning that even the smallest contribution is worthwhile, and will add up eventually.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 11-13)

What are the methods of the positive revolution?
As a painter uses a paintbrush to paint and a carpenter uses a saw to cut wood, a revolutionary needs tools to create revolution. The tools used in the positive revolution are many and include the following methods:
Changing perceptions
Creating new symbols
Altering thinking methods
Naming things
Educating on positive methods in positive ways
Creating organisations to facilitate action
(See Yellow Book, pp. 61-118)

Why is a positive direction so important?
Construction is action used in building and making things happen, always in the positive sense. Activity by itself is not necessarily constructive; to determine if an action is constructive, ask what is created when the activity is over. For example, a tug-of-war is not constructive, although in the sense of recreation and fun, it might be considered constructive. Passively watching television is generally not constructive, but time-filling instead. Planting a seed, cooking a meal, and creating a piece of art are all constructive.
Construction is the true opposite of drift, so in order to be effective, action must move in a direction. A person must choose to direct action positively, rather than allowing a passive drift, or choosing to act negatively. Acting negatively is often much easier than acting positively -- which demands effort and construction rather than just talk and destruction -- so people commonly fall into the habit of negativity or passivity, allowing themselves to simply drift through situations.
Without action, there is no revolution, only dissipated energy. Therefore, action in the positive direction fuels the positive revolution.
It's beginning to sound like the positive revolution is all effort and concentration, and lots of hard work. In fact, being happy while working toward positive goals is very important. It is important to make positive decisions, but also to enjoy life, friends, entertainment and so on as well; it asks no more of you than what you can afford to give at the moment, and reminds us that every contribution is valuable, no matter how small.
Many people have found that pursuing enjoyment as a total purpose robs them of the ability to truly enjoy a rich life. Achievement is one of life's more durable joys, and achievement comes through construction.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 14-19)

What are the goals and techniques of self-improvement?
Self-improvement can take many forms. Here are four possible ways of improving the self:
Developing positive attitudes, habits, and skills.
Reducing the domination of negative attitudes and habits.
Getting better at whatever you're doing -- your work, your job, or a specific task.
Acquiring specific new skills.
Slow, day-to-day self-improvement is a good goal.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 43-44)

How can we develop positive attitude and habit?
While the general goal of self-improvement should be toward refocusing attitudes and actions in a positive direction, it's often helpful to break down that goal into smaller components. There are many paths to this goal, and they tend to include the following:
Treating others with respect, even those you may disagree with. This is crucial to working the positive revolution.
Opening your mind to new things and being more active in pursuing new and old interests.
Becoming more interesting in your discussions, by putting more effort and thought into the style and content of your communication.
Trying to be helpful and agreeable; trying to build bridges rather than defensive walls between people.
Assessing what you're doing consciously, to make sure you are acting by choice and in positive directions. Praising and appreciating the things you do well, and noting the things you don't succeed at, so you can target them for improvement.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 45-46)

How can we be effective, and what are the joys of effectiveness?
Effectiveness is setting out to do something and doing it. Effectiveness requires:
Control of your own actions and knowledge of what you're trying to do.
Confidence that you can achieve the goal.
Discipline to have patience, perseverance and concentration on the way to the goal.
Set yourself small steps and carry them out. When you've completed something, pause and say: "I have done that task and I have done it well."
The joys of effectiveness include:
As we get involved in something, we become more interested in it, in ourselves and in others. In addition, we often become more interested in the process of effectiveness itself, wondering why we were effective in one situation and not in another.
As we develop the discipline of effectiveness, all tasks get easier. We decide what to do, and then we do it. Action is taken and effects can be counted. We gain more control and power in our lives. There is joy and pride in achievement, and our achievements grow as we become more effective. We become more valuable to our families, our friends, our employers, and others who have contact with our work.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 33-39)

How should we evaluate actions and other people?
Of any action, ask:
"Is it constructive?"
"To which area or areas does it contribute?"
Of a person, ask:
"What is her contribution?" instead of "Is she right or wrong?"
"Is she selfish?" Selfish people should be noted and discouraged.
(See Yellow Book, p. 26 and pp. 74-81)

What are the circles of concern?
Circles of concern indicate areas in which a contribution's effect is felt. There are three concentric circles: Self, Local, and Country/World (see below):
The circles are concentric to indicate that a contribution often affects more than one area. For example, if you learn to read and write, it is a contribution to your country as well as yourself. This model reminds us that contributions that seem small and personal often have wider influence than we may think.
(See Yellow Book, pp. 24-26)