Recently I stumbled upon a quote that perfectly fits as a definition for vertical thinking. It is coming from the Chinese philosopher Wang Bi (226-249) whose merit is that the I Ching was properly reconsidered and its true meaning actualized in historically and ideologically troubled times. And still very much valid. So, here is the quote:
“The symbols (the Signs) serve the purpose of expressing the ideas behind them, the wise words of explaining the Signs. When symbols are comprehended, words can be forgotten, and when ideas are comprehended, symbols can be forgotten. However, if hanging onto words, symbols will never be comprehended, and if hanging onto symbols, ideas will never be comprehended.” (in Wolfgang Bauer, Fundamentals of the Book of Changes, Introduction to the I Ching by Richard Wilhelm, p. 13.)
I very much like the simplicity and clarity of it.
