Daniel H. Pink’s book, “A Whole New Mind—Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future,” a 2005 copyright, is one of those reads that will stick with me for a long time. Once I picked it up I could not put it down, and will re-read it again. The bright orange cover makes it easy for me to locate quickly if it gets temporarily shelved with other texts.
The author’s abundant experience as a former presidential speechwriter is an asset for this text. His writing is logical, sequential and flows exceptionally well, from topic to topic, and chapter to chapter.
His premise, that the future of global business belongs to the right-brainers, and his well-thought out arguments are a guide to surviving in the fast-paced, topsy-turvy world we live in right now. Pink’s explanation—that we are moving from the information age, left brain-thinking to right brain-thinking the conceptual age, and why—is beautifully supported by his observations.
He details the reasons for this switch with his three “A’s”—abundance, Asia, and automation. Uncounted numbers of folks in Asia, particularly India, can do rote, white collar work (left-brain) much less expensively than those who might hold similar jobs in the United States. This change affects all of us, and it seems only logical then to free ourselves to do more creating, inventing, and building (right brain thinking).
How to go about this? Before I comment on this, let’s look at the book’s beginning that outlines four major eras: the agricultural age (farmers), the industrial age (factory workers), the information age (knowledge workers) and the conceptual age (creators and empathizers).
Interesting, pertinent black and white drawings are sprinkled throughout the easy-to-follow text. Pink poses several crucial questions: can a computer do these tasks faster, is what I have to offer in demand in an age of abundance, and can someone overseas do it cheaper?
Pink reminds us repeatedly that we live in an age of abundance and urges us to develop our creative abilities if we want to be competitive, whether related to commodities or to something else. To do this, we need to focus on six essential attributes he outlines and enlarges upon: Design—moving beyond function to engage the senses; Story—narrative added to products and services, not just argument; Symphony—adding invention and big picture thinking, not merely detailed focus; Empathy—going beyond logic and engaging emotions and intuition; Meaning—immaterial feelings and values of products.
He calls Story the best of the six. The example of a wine label sticks in my mind.
The author supports his suggestions with many quotes from literature, the arts and great thinkers. Actually, what he applies to the business world has equal value for writers, musicians and other artists.
Pink did a fine writing job and expressed his thoughts in an easy to follow manner. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for professional/business success or personal fulfillment. The paperback version has been updated and includes new material. The text has been translated into 18 different languages.
“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel H. Pink (2006) is published by Riverhead Publishers.
The author’s abundant experience as a former presidential speechwriter is an asset for this text. His writing is logical, sequential and flows exceptionally well, from topic to topic, and chapter to chapter.
His premise, that the future of global business belongs to the right-brainers, and his well-thought out arguments are a guide to surviving in the fast-paced, topsy-turvy world we live in right now. Pink’s explanation—that we are moving from the information age, left brain-thinking to right brain-thinking the conceptual age, and why—is beautifully supported by his observations.
He details the reasons for this switch with his three “A’s”—abundance, Asia, and automation. Uncounted numbers of folks in Asia, particularly India, can do rote, white collar work (left-brain) much less expensively than those who might hold similar jobs in the United States. This change affects all of us, and it seems only logical then to free ourselves to do more creating, inventing, and building (right brain thinking).
How to go about this? Before I comment on this, let’s look at the book’s beginning that outlines four major eras: the agricultural age (farmers), the industrial age (factory workers), the information age (knowledge workers) and the conceptual age (creators and empathizers).
Interesting, pertinent black and white drawings are sprinkled throughout the easy-to-follow text. Pink poses several crucial questions: can a computer do these tasks faster, is what I have to offer in demand in an age of abundance, and can someone overseas do it cheaper?
Pink reminds us repeatedly that we live in an age of abundance and urges us to develop our creative abilities if we want to be competitive, whether related to commodities or to something else. To do this, we need to focus on six essential attributes he outlines and enlarges upon: Design—moving beyond function to engage the senses; Story—narrative added to products and services, not just argument; Symphony—adding invention and big picture thinking, not merely detailed focus; Empathy—going beyond logic and engaging emotions and intuition; Meaning—immaterial feelings and values of products.
He calls Story the best of the six. The example of a wine label sticks in my mind.
The author supports his suggestions with many quotes from literature, the arts and great thinkers. Actually, what he applies to the business world has equal value for writers, musicians and other artists.
Pink did a fine writing job and expressed his thoughts in an easy to follow manner. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for professional/business success or personal fulfillment. The paperback version has been updated and includes new material. The text has been translated into 18 different languages.
“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel H. Pink (2006) is published by Riverhead Publishers.
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