TOW #16 - A Whole New Mind (Part Two)

"Making the transition from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age, moving from a landscape of L-Directed Thinking of one of R-Directed thinking, adding the capacity for art and heart to our penchant for logic and analysis, won't be easy. Few worthwhile things ever are. But maybe that's the point… the purpose is the journey itself."

     In the second half of A Whole New Mind are Daniel Pink's "high-concept aptitudes" of Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. His ideas are presented clearly and convincingly, through well-developed examples and a cleverly organized overall structure. Readers are persuaded to seriously consider his advice on living in the Conceptual Age, when creativity, design, and overall right-brain thinking have risen to unprecedented significance in society and the working world.

     One main reason his writing is so effective is the fact that he connects every new idea back to the main point of "automation, Asia, and abundance." Also, every chapter includes thorough explanations of how his ideas relate to 'high-class' careers in medicine and law, realms that are more affected by the Conceptual Age than generally realized. In addition, Pink seems to have a never-ending list of exemplary people, most of whom are not classic celebrities, but all of whom have fantastic stories that wholly support his ideas. Admittedly, at times there are almost too many different examples and anecdotes, often with a "transition" that is just a new subheading. However, for the most part, the abundant exemplification works well.

     Overall, the book was very enjoyable and relatable. Concepts like "drawing on the right side of the brain," the new age of video gaming, and the innovation of laughter clubs are all intriguing and inspiring. It's inspired me to think about my life a little differently. I would definitely consider myself right-brained, but I've always planned to leave art on the side. I'm more seriously considering a future that's more art-dependent, less 'safe', and more about design, communication, and simply taking advantage of this Conceptual Age that Daniel Pink says to be "why right-brainers will rule the future."