Abstract
In this report I want to point out some special cognitive abilities which are found in gifted persons, especially in inventors and some scientists. How does an inventor come to new ideas? How does a scientist find the solution for a complicated problem? Can gifted children learn specific techniques for inventions? Samples [1] suggested ways to help people form metaphors to train creativity. He noted that almost all theory‐making in science is metaphoric. In addition to studies in the relevant research papers we have interviewed a number of successful inventors (chemists, technician, managers) in order to find out, how they are thinking when they handle matters which grow into inventions. Their answers and comments confirm the theories and findings of Rothenberg [2,3], Mittring [4], Sternberg [5,6]. In the following I will describe and comment these three postulated cognitive abilities and ways of thinking.