A Whole New Mind

A Whole New Mind – Daniel H. Pink

For much of the twentieth century, success in work and life favored people with logical, analytical and linear skills, the kind of abilities associated with lawyers, accountants and engineers. Daniel H. Pink, a former White House speechwriter and author of books on work and motivation, argues that this is changing. In A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, he contends that creative, empathic and big-picture abilities are becoming increasingly important.

Pink explains that three forces are reshaping the economy: abundance, which means that in wealthy societies people seek beauty and meaning, not just function; Asia, where many routine knowledge jobs can be performed at lower cost; and automation, as computers take over tasks that follow rules and logic. As a result, he argues, we are moving from the Information Age into a Conceptual Age, in which value increasingly comes from creativity and human connection.

He uses the popular metaphor of left-brain and right-brain thinking to describe these two kinds of abilities, while acknowledging that both hemispheres work together. Pink identifies six essential senses that he believes will matter most in the Conceptual Age: design, story, symphony, the ability to see the big picture and combine ideas, empathy, play and meaning. For each, he explains why it matters and offers practical exercises, resources and activities to help readers develop it.

Lively and thought-provoking, A Whole New Mind is a stimulating read for professionals, educators, students and anyone thinking about the future of work. Readers should note that the left-brain and right-brain distinction is a simplification of neuroscience, and that the economy has continued to change since publication.