I read this book some time ago but it came back to my mind when I stumbled across the dancer who claims to reveal whether your are dominantly left-brained or right-brained. The book in question is “A Whole New Mind”, by Daniel H. Pink (ISBN 1-904879-57-8). Let me say at the outset that I really liked this book. I found it stimulating, thought-provoking an useful. The basic thesis is that there has been a time of great progress in societies from left-brained dominance and, rather than argue that what we need is a time of right-brained dominance, Pink, I reckon, gets it right by arguing for a whole-brained approach. I like that. I find the left-right debate rather stale and unhelpful.
What he does is argue for the development of six, what he calls “senses”, which are, in effect attributes, or characteristics, which he says will give people who use their whole brains success over those who stick with old sided dominances. I really like all six of them. They are –
- DESIGN – products, services and experiences that aren’t just functional, but which are also “beautiful, whimsical, or emotionally engaging”
- STORY – it’s not enough to fashion effective arguments from information and data, “The essence of persuasion, communication, and self-understanding has become the ability also to fashion a compelling narrative”
- SYMPHONY – not analysis but synthesis “being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting new whole”
- EMPATHY – “logic alone won’t do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others.”
- PLAY – there is a need for seriousness but there is also a need for play
- MEANING – many of us live in material abundance, and this has freed us up to “pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment.”
The book has two sections. The first makes the case for a whole brain approach and the second devotes a chapter to each of these six “senses”. In fact, one of the things that takes this book out of the theoretical and into the practical is that he treats every “sense” to two chapters – the first clarifies what that sense is and the second is entitled “portfolio” which is a collection of exercises you can do to develop that “sense” in your own life.
You know what? I’m going to read it again!
Heroes Not Zombies 
Yes, I try to live by those six “senses”. I must purchase this book, and make a note of author and title so I can refer people to it when trying to explain my outlook on life. My MIL (we lost her to brain cancer some years ago) never did get why I felt the need to be silly, to “play” at times. She never understood my “need” some days for make-up, or other “froo froo” like whimsical ornaments just for going out to a County fair. I rarely wear makeup anymore, too costly and hard on my skin to do so often. I wear accessories like colorful necklaces, bracelets, (not too many, I stay tasteful) and sashes/scarves though. I have also been known to wear colorful hair ornaments of various kinds. I love those rubberbands they market for little girls, that have the colorful plastic marble/beads on each end of them. (They were popular in the USA in the 70s, and are popular now as “retro”. You can get them in many shapes, sizes, and colors, oh the colors!) I put several on my long, long braid sometimes, spaced apart along the length of it.
Ah, and adding, I love whimsical functional items! I have a Japanese style goldfish teapot which I love. (I’d cry if it broke, it was a birthday present to myself when I was single again, a *must have* item.) Someday I hope to be able to own some of the whimsical household items I have seen around. I love the idea of using something that will elict a chuckle or smile frequently.
thanks for always adding these isbn numbers with your descriptions. I have a few books in my wishlist now, and after I save a few pennies, I’m definitely going to have my free time full with good reads. I appreciate the reviews you give!
Thank you Ester – hope your wishlist starts to come true!
[…] 7, 2008 by bobleckridge Daniel H Pink, who wrote “A Whole New Mind“, has written what he calls “America’s first business book in the Japanese comic […]
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