3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Inverted Thinking
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Inverted Thinking
ROTAS Square, Inverted Brainstorming & SATOR Square
I. SATOR Square
A SATOR square is a word square featuring a palindrome of five words, which is a term that reads the same forward as backward. Its origin dates back to ancient Pompeji, Italy. From there, it made its way into pop culture and Christopher Nolan’s thriller Tenet (2020).
S A T O R
A R E P O
T E N E T
O P E R A
R O T A S
All words can be read horizontally and vertically, be rotated and mirrored without changing the nature of the square. The ROTAS Square is said to have magical properties; confusing the devil thus keeping him away.
II. Inversion as a Brainstorming Technique
When it comes to solving complex problems, the devil is in the detail. This makes inversion a powerful brainstorming technique. Take the example of organising a dinner party with friends. Ask yourself: ‘What needs to be done to turn the night into an absolute dumpster fire?’ Here are some answers:
Insist on your guests’ punctuality, but communicate the wrong time.
Let your guests starve until they almost leave again. Then serve food that’s surely edible, but just bad enough not to be enjoyed.
Lecture your guests about both social justice and the necessity for nuclear power plants. All while making jokes only Ricky Gervais gets away with.
Prepare a wonderful cake for dessert, which sits in plain sight but is never offered.
Send your friends home abruptly by retiring to your bedroom in silence.
Once you’re satisfied with your planning, invert your ideas for a heavenly dinner party. Apply the method to any other problem with less obvious solutions.
III. ROTAS Square
A ROTAS square is a word square featuring a palindrome of five words, which is a term that reads the same backward as forward. It’s essentially a SATOR Square in inverted order.
R O T A S
O P E R A
T E N E T
A R E P O
S A T O R
Both versions of the square, ROTAS and SATOR have a long history. With the former being the earliest and the latter being the most popular version. The squares are said to have magical properties. 🐘
Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com