Great book! Changed how I thought about my career. "A Whole New Mind" by Daniel H. Pink

 Title: A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

Author: Daniel H. Pink

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: Pink emphasizes the increasing importance of right-brain attribute (e.g., creativity, empathy, holistic thinking) in achieving both career success and personal fulfillment. He argues that left-brain skills (e.g., logic, analysis, computational skills) have dominated the Information Age, the future, which he refers to as the "Conceptual Age," will favor those who can integrate both hemispheres of thought. He suggests that the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) may be the new MBA (Master of Business Administration). The book has aged well in the sense that many of his predictions have come to fruition.

I selected this book because: I selected this book because it was on the sale table at a grocery store. It was priced at a fraction of the original price and I thought to myself “A Whole Mind, yeah whatever. For a few bucks, I’ll see what this guy has to say.” Turns out, I thought it was a great book. I went back and bought all remaining copies (the price had been further reduced!) and gave them to students and friends. One student, who had never read a book that he didn't have to read for school said “I didn't know that books could be like this.” He has long since completed a PhD and has become an avid “voluntary reader.”

Recommendation: YES! I loved this book and its message came at a time when I was thinking about my career trajectory. It was inspiring in many ways and reinforced my predilection to more holistically integrate design and art into my thinking. For me, it made me think more about usability and the user’s perspective.

Major lessons from this book: Pink suggests that there are several “right brain” attributes that will be necessary for a successful career in the modern economy. These include: design (not just function, but aesthetics), story (compelling narratives), symphony (synthesizing parts into a unified whole), play (valuing humor and playfulness), and meaning (pursuing purpose and significance).

I think the “right brain” / “left brain” dichotomy is bit over-simplified and overplayed (not just here, but in many writings), but Pink is great writer and inspires the reader with his call to action. Analytical skills alone will not be sufficient to succeed in the modern world. This is not to suggest that analytical skills are not necessary, but rather that they are not sufficient to reach full potential.

Book Inspirations: This book changed how I think about books and was the catalyst for me to begin more actively sharing books with friends and colleagues. It came to me a good time. It is blend of pop-psychology and call to action that I found inspiring. I have also used videos by Pink (e.g., “What Motivates Us”) in classes with undergraduates to inspire them to get the most from their education.