A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, by Daniel Pink, is ultimately a book about how the economy of the future is going to need right-brainers in order to compete and lead. The author explains how traditional left-brain thinkers (analytical, scientific, logical) have been necessary but not sufficient in our rapidly changing economy.

A Whole New Mind seeks to explain why and how the skills associated with the right-hemisphere of the brain - creativity, empathy, playfulness, and meaning-making - will become increasingly important for our society, economy, and personal lives. Pink explores the reasons why left-brain thinking no longer provides sufficient competitive advantage in the knowledge economy, and then goes on to explain the abilities that successful people will possess to succeed in their professional, personal, and creative lives in the 21st century.

Pink argues that the most important abilities for the future will be those associated with the right-brain, such as artistry, inventiveness, empathy, craftsmanship, storytelling, and other abilities that tap into the creative and intuitive aspects of the brain. He also makes the case for a “convergence of abilities” where individuals will be capable of both “left-brain” and “right-brain” functions, allowing them to become proficient in areas such as economics, design, programming, and other disciplines.

The book is divided into three parts. Part One, “Let the Right Side Rule”, dives deep into the skills necessary to succeed in a new knowledge economy, such as design, emotion, narrative, symphony, and play. Part Two (“The Power of Right”) explains why right-brainers are better suited for success in the modern economy and outlines a plan to develop those abilities. Part Three (“A Brave New World”) provides examples of occupations and organizations where right-brainers have an edge, and suggests ideas for the individual and the society on how to prepare for the new economy.

A Whole New Mind is an easy read with many inspiring stories and references to other authors and thinkers. It uses several examples and case studies to explain its points, including those from well-known companies such as Apple, Google, and Amazon. Pink also argues his points in classic soundbites such as, “The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind” and emphasizes the need for a balance between creative and analytical abilities.

A Whole New Mind is an important book for those looking for an explanation of how the economy is transforming and how we must to adjust to the changes. It offers a clear path to discovering the abilities needed for success in the new economy and its readability makes it accessible to a wide audience. Ultimately, it encourages readers to think differently and to recognize the incredible power of emotion, narrative, design, and other creative abilities.