A Whole New Mind by Daniel H.l. Pink's Essay

Daniel pink's "a whole new mind", is an engrossing book that provides a new perspective about the contours of a new era. Pink contends that the society is shifting from information age to a conceptual age. That is shifting from a time when the society and the economy are built on linear and logical abilities to a time where they are built on empathic, inventive big picture capabilities. He argues that with the new conceptual age, right sided thinkers will be in high demand in the coming years. Pink proposes that there is need to evaluate the traditional linear and logical thought process and develop more in pop science, the R directed thinking skills like empathy, story, design and play. Pink's arguments are based on the different thinking styles originating from each half of the brain, the R directed thinking and the L directed thinking. The book explains the differences between the two kind of thinking in an easy-to-read and entertaining style.

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The book further discusses how western economies and companies survive as more and more tasks are automated and the associated jobs having moved to lower cost economies. For instance chartered accountants prepare tax returns for US companies, and most tech companies outsource their software from India too. According to pink, with economies moving from industrial age to information age, where economies of scale have been realized by applying knowledge rather than the physical labour, in the same way, knowledge workers are under threat. The knowledge worker is faced with the ever growing competition and outsourcing. Pink argues that the productivity gains in this age of information are a result of L directed thinking. Today, employment opportunities are accorded to those that are knowledgeable in applying technology to solve a task rather than being able to perform the task. Furthermore, with advancement in technology we have reached a point where knowledge is not scarce. Products that had to be produced locally can now be produced anywhere in the world. Most jobs are being automated or moved overseas to lower cost economies. For example in banks no longer employ clerks to register every transaction in the legers software have developed to perform such tasks.

Pink predicts that the future is in the R directed thinking, he recommends organisation to focus on those things that computers cannot do faster like arts, while at the same time meet the aesthetic spiritual and emotional needs of a generation that is prepared to pay anything for those qualities. He predicts that innovation, creativity and design as important future economic drivers in the global economy.

The book is enjoyable convincingly argued, easy to read and persuasive. The author has provided a profound analysis of the pressing economic and personal issues and how globalization and technology are changing the way we interact, live and imagine our world. The book provides resourceful information and numerous examples and links to websites and courses books that enable the reader to dig deeper into particular subjects.

Conclusion

In conclusion Pink's idea that the future belongs to different person with different mind is threatening. However, I think drawing such a conclusion is a big mistake. It does not matter whether the author is right or wrong, what matter is the fact that the ideas presented in the book are valuable today.