BEAUMONT, EDWARD A.
Trioks Exploration, LLC, Tulsa, OK

Abstract: A Historical Perspective of Petroleum Exploration Philosophy

People who find chimerical oil and gas more than once may be thought of as more than just "lucky." They are skillful, purposeful professionals who we call oil and gas finders. Reflecting on their philosophies can be very important to improving the effectiveness of modern petroleum exploration. From the few publications where they articulated their philosophies we know that: 1) oil and gas finders are positive thinkers; negative thinking people do not find oil and gas), 2) they develop creativity through visual thinking, 3) they have vivid imaginations controlled by facts, 4) they have a great desire to find oil and gas, 5) they are self-motivating and self-starting, 6) they are optimistic, 7) they are persistent, and above all, 8) they love the thrill of discovery and the deep satisfaction of being able to use science and art to find a valuable resource for the benefit of all mankind. Visual thinking skills and creativity are mentioned again and again in articles published by oil and gas finders as critical to finding oil or gas in places that others have decided are barren. The essence of oil-finder extraordinaire Wallace Pratt's philosophy is "that oil must first be sought in our minds". What is your philosophy? How do you approach exploration? Build a strong philosophy and become a more effective explorationist.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas