A Whole New Mind: Section One

A person's brain controls the functions of the human body. It has often been described as the bodies hard drive.The left hemisphere,mason dizon line and the right hemisphere make up the brain. Each hemisphere controls different ways of thinking.Right brained directed and left brained directed thinking. Although the different sides of the brain control different elements, both hemispheres work together as well.

Daniel Pink, in his book A Whole New Mind, explores the brain a bit further and describes his theory on societies new direction, the "conceptual age" which is more right brained than left brained( what we have focused on in the past, the information age) and how we can reverse our way of thinking to be more successful in the "conceptual age."

What is the Conceptual Age?
Pink talks about the information age and the conceptual age.We are moving away from the information age, which consisted of Left brain directed thinking: logical,linear,computerlike capabilities(Pink,29) to the new age, "the conceptual age."Knowledge workers, those who get paid for putting to work what one learns in school(Pink,29)" are no longer sufficient. It is the artistry, empathy,taking the long view inventors and artists who will soar in this new conceptual age.Pink describes the conceptual age as being powered by "right brain" qualities such as inventiveness,empathy,joyfulness, and meaning.This is the era in which we are moving towards. 

Why does Pink believe this "Conceptual Age" requires a whole new mind?
Pink explains that the brain consists of two hemispheres that are designed to work together as a "smooth, single,integrated whole in one entire,complete brain."In the past, society has focused more so on the left hemisphere:logic,anaylsis,literalness,and sequence, undermining the left half of the brain. As society has evolved, R-directed thinking has taken over control. This requires a whole new mindset. Left directed thinking, as Pink states, is "still necessary but not sufficient(Pink,27)."PInk explains that our conceptual era is due to abundance,asia and automation. the video below explains more. These three concepts have lead us to think differently, in a new mindset, more R-directed but a tteh same time not forgeting our Right brain. We should use both halves efficiently to be successful in this conceptual age we are driving towards.




I agree with Pink and his whole new mindset on the conceptual age. R-Directed thinking is becoming valued more in our society due to our focus on meaning,uniqueness and originality of the individual.I see this R- Directed thinking in the many different types of schools offered to children. Children are now able to go to schools that cater to their interests and are meaningful to them. With schools such as Fine Arts academies, High tech high, the plethora of private and charter schools, children are being given a chance to find meaning themselves and create a passion and follow it.People need not to be measured by achievement tests anymore but unique assessments in which they thrive. I try and emphasize uniqueness,beauty,care and R-directed thinking in my classroom. I have found it to be more effective for my students.