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Why Right Brainers Will Rule This Century
Ho ho ha ha ha!!! Ho ho ha ha ha!!!Hmmm....
I hate Oprah. That said, if Pinko is actually correct in his theory, then I'm totally fucked. Mathematics/physics/engineering will always be my greatest ability. I'm not a "designer" in his definition of the word.When can we expect the housewives to absolutely freak out? Because, I mean, anyone associated with Oprah must be right/better than you!
You're smart, Matthew, you'll figure something out. Don't panic! One thing that might help is having a towel handy for emergencies...I love story, and I can draw okay. And play the piano a little. And I'm empathetic. AND - I have towels!
I've never been a fan of the "I'm a right brainer" or "I'm a left brainer" designations. They're reductive and overtly simplistic. However, and this is entirely self-serving, I like to think some of the "problem solving" facets of creativity will play a greater role in the future.There are times when I'm quite linear and not much of a risk-taker. But on intellectual issues related to work, well, I love that part of my job. I could play in the mud of figuring out how to best teach all day long.
Will they, though? Do you believe that a paradigm shift will occur in the near future? One that renders all linear knowledge obsolete?This is complete bullshit, I'm sorry. Oh, and the world's going to end in 2012, right? Burn the scientists, I say! Let the art school dropouts (petulant hipsters) solve the world's (unsolvable) problems! Hooray!
How long before Sherrie barges in here with a "told you so"!
Oh, how I love pseudoscientific responses!
It's a silly argument, really. We've always needed creative thinkers, and we've always needed people to translate those ideas into real life. Left brainers can think creatively about engineering, and right brainers can figure out how to make their design ideas practical.
It's not like this is something new.
Yeah, you never know when you're going to spill something.
Yeah, I agree that these elements aren't new. I would say, though, that I do believe the nature of work is changing from the industrial/factory model into...what exactly, I'm not sure. I didn't hear the guy saying "burn scientists", Matty. But you might want to look out your window for any torches and pitchforks:)
I don't know if we ever can quite articulate how the world is changing until well after the fact.
By the way, I think scientists have to be some of our most creative people...
Yeah, there's a lot more brain parts than that, anyways.
Jackie's basing her knowledge of brain physiology on her many viewings of "Young Frankenstein", just so you know:)
Right! Don't use Abby Normal's brain, whatever you do!
RE: 15Thank you, RA!
I think it's really limited and... ignorant, really, when people draw an uncrossable line between humanities and pure sciences. Does NO ONE remember that for most of human history, the greatest scientists were, simultaneously, the greatest artists and writers?
A reason why we don't see this as much today is, understandably, everything's become so specialized that it's harder to be an expert in two vastly different fields.
This reminds me of a questions I saw on another forum some time ago: Would you rather be a philosopher or a scientist? I don't know that there's a difference! Granted, technicians have to be fairly linear, but -- for example, in Matt's case -- math is an incredibly eloquent language and art which requires so much creativity to fully appreciate. At least I think so, with what limited experience I have in it....
i am more of a front side of the brain guy. mostly i think because i have had quite a few blows to the back of the head and my right and left sides are both procrastinators.i am not sure what makes people creative or logical. certainly stimulus. kids that go to libraries, museums, art exhibits will have a different view than a rural kid who never leaves the farm. much i think is the structure of their lives. the creative types have always had some sort of outlet. also encouragement i think. math hurts my head but i can talk extemporaneously on things i am passionate about
Nools wrote: "RE: 15Thank you, RA!
I think it's really limited and... ignorant, really, when people draw an uncrossable line between humanities and pure sciences. Does NO ONE remember that for most of human h..."
Well said, Nools. I think Pink does make a good point when he says that certain skills, such as creativity and empathy, can't be shipped overseas. Anybody can learn computer programming, but empathy and creativity really depend on the individual. That said, I don't buy his argument that we're in something called the "Conceptual Age." If creative people are becoming more prominent in our society, then how come art classes in our schools are always in danger of being cut? I'd like to hear a line of argument and see some evidence on that one. From reading this interview, it feels like he makes that claim just because it's convenient with his argument.
Mod
I don't really think that one has so much to do with the other, Jane. The political decisions behind cutting funding for public schools to the point that administrators have to choose between test prep classes and the humanities can't be rectified with the belief that creativity is becoming more valued in potential employees.
For those of you waiting for me to say "I told you so", it will not happen. :)I am currently designing my post to include all sides of this discussion, so that I can empathically & creatively express what what I believe instinctually to be true in a playful, coherent way.
Suffice it to say, life is about the patterns that you are open & willing to notice.
And peanut butter. Don't forget the peanut butter.
Towels & peanut butter, gotcha. And, chocolate has to be part of it as well, if it's coming from me. ;)
The real leaders of our world are those, whose brain's both sides are strong. being only creative or being only logical can't help one to rule wisely. I think one must try to be both, to see things from every aspect to be able to understand everybody and each one, in order to be able to make right decisions and become the one, whom others will follow, listen and obey.
I agree that having a whole intellect, creative and logical, is what true leaders need to possess. But, I disagree with the 'listen and obey' aspect of this.In my understanding of leadership, it shouldn't be a question of leading in order for others to obey, but a guidance and partnership with those whom they lead where all ideas and beliefs should be understood and considered, so that the best of what people feel is important can be addressed and solutions found that help these ideas shine. Compromise is usually a split down the middle and usually doesn't really resolve issues, but a coming together in a non-defensive stance with true understanding of what people feel is most important can result in finding new, surprising solutions that take into consideration all sides. It's the confrontational and dualistic attitude in our Western society that needs to be addressed. Democracy was based on the mixing of ideas and the valuing of all thoughts to provide a betterment of the whole. I believe we need to get back in touch with this kind of thinking if we are to make lasting changes that will help us move forward.
Cosmic Sherrie, I couldn't agree more!
Plus leaders should be cool. And smoke. And be able to light a stick match on their tooth
sure. didn't even think i needed to say that
::chink chink:: How'dya like ma spurs?
Sher your spurs are digging big holes in the floor. And what's that stuff on your boots?Yes, true democracy is rare. What we have in this country is a representative form of government that works most of the time, but sometimes not.
The framers of our Constitution were very smart people. They recognized the fact that the majority is not always right, and established an independent judiciary because of that.
In some states (such as California) they have taken to having popular referenda to pass laws and make important decisions. But as we have said here already, the majority isn't always right -- especially when it comes to infringing on the rights of the minorities -- rights that should be guaranteed and upheld by the Constitution.
Popular resentment of the judiciary, not subject to popular election, seems to be growing, too.
So maybe we have an illusion that we. as citizens, have control. The truth is, though, that individuals can bring about changes. Elections do make differences.
Disclaimer: This is my own opinion, it is long-winded, it is based on my own searching over the last 20 years, reading everything from Einstein & Bohr to Gandhi & Mother Teresa to George Carlin & the Muppets, and I don’t claim anyone else needs to believe one word of it. Skip it if you want, but if you want to understand where I come from on this issue, and are brave enough to look into someone else’s reality without bias, this is it.This book represents just the tip of the iceberg of the changes that are happening on a global scale, and in ways we cannot foresee. Many of us who have been reading about these kinds of shifts have simply been aware of them longer, perhaps been more open to them, seeing the seeds of change that are needed if we are to change our planet to a livable, more cohesive and healthy one. When these kinds of things come out on Oprah (of whom I'm not a huge fan, but I like what kinds of new ideas she helps bring to the masses), it is a surfacing of ideas that have been percolating in many different arenas for much longer, but that most people simply have not been subject to. And, there is so much of this kind of perception that comes directly from scientific theories & discoveries that may not be mainstream knowledge. Sadly, they end up being disseminated to the public in venues that may be more widely understood but are not 'credible' to 'serious thinkers'.
It is not a question of right-brain vs. left-brain, or the 'creatives' against the 'intellectuals'. That is entirely missing the point. And, for the record, I think the title of this article is unfortunate, it gives the impression (if you didn’t read the whole thing) that only creative, artistic people will move forward because of their possession of right-brain qualities, or that linear thinking, logical and planning people own the market of the left-brain and will, therefore, be left behind. Everyone has capabilities within each realm of these aspects, and they are both found within each and every industry and arena. If this weren't so, there would never be progress. The thought that linear knowledge will become obsolete is just as horrendous as being dominated by it. This 'paradigm shift' that is so esoterically talked about is not the proprietary domain of the 'woo-woo' people, or the new agers, or whathaveyou. It is about every person opening up their awareness of what is not working in our world, letting go of their dualistic & confrontational attitudes, and finding new, inventive ways of recreating the world we live in so we will survive. I think that those of us who are more in tune with their emotional/spiritual side simply are often open to looking at new outlooks (although, certainly not always). We do not have a corner market on creativity or imagination, it is just talked about in those terms. Those in the realms of traditional intellect & logic, such as science, education, economics, etc., have their own brand of creativity and embracing new ideas. It is just labeled differently, it is spoken in a different language. And, the majority of us lie somewhere in the middle. Believe it or not, so do I.
Our entire human race has evolved to the levels of higher intellectual capacity because of our curiosity of how the world works, the discovery of new ideas and inventions, the wiliness to seek in unusual places for answers, and the pushing of limits in our perception of the world. But, somehow, this has been mistakenly devalued at a surface level of our current society, even as it continues to flourish behind the scenes. What is changing is the perception of what we are valuing. I believe this is switching to a more balanced view of supporting people in what they are passionate about, what sparks their curiosity and creativity, an opening of our societal boxes to look at the 'abby-normal' brains (or perhaps simply the average brain) and a better understanding & acceptance of how different people see the world. Nobody sees reality the same, no one. So the importance comes in not negating one’s individual reality, but seeking to learn from others’ realities.
Being brave enough to find truths wherever they may appear, regardless of the source.
It's about watching for emerging patterns that are positive, and supporting those when they are but seedlings. It's about coming together instead of keeping us apart. Seeing us as a whole species instead of separate tribes, but not making anyone else conform to one group's ideology of what is truth. Diversity and the valuing of individual cultures & beliefs is humanity’s ultimate expression of being human. I know this sounds altruistic and maybe even flighty. That's fine, because I choose to believe in these things and I am seeing an increase in those who believe it as well. The more who believe in the goodness and the ability to be a whole, valuing both left & right brain thinking, the creatives and the intellectuals, and our wiliness to find each side within ourselves, the more our world will change because we all will be changing in response. It doesn't matter if it happens by 2012 or 3012, although hopefully it will happen sooner before we self-destruct, it simply matters that we follow the patterns in evolution & nature: to adapt is to survive. To be open to change, to see where the possibilities are instead of focusing on the blockages, to search out the light of the sun instead of cutting it off. What it comes down to, in my eyes, is in order to survive the mistakes we've made as a species we've got to see how we can move forward and mend what we've wrought. Not just in the ecology, but in ourselves as well.
Oh yes – The towel is to clean up the mess after you’ve enjoyed your peanut butter & chocolate. And, it is there in case you have to play a game of 'snap the wet towel on your arse'. The towel is always there, just in case…
That's all well and good, Cos (it's nicely said, btw). But what's that stuff you're tracking in on your boots? That's what I want to know.
Ugh.
Lar, it's called shite... fertilizer... compost. And, It's what makes everything grow. ;)
Yup, I like ter roll in it too to keep da skeeters away.
Want some? It's fresh... uh, organic pest-aside-free horse.
Sure. Just scrape some off on the rug over there.
Matthew wrote: "Ugh."hahahahahahhahahahahha
See... he's responding from the spiritual-emotional center of his brain with that response. Matthew, you know we love you. :)
I may be on the other end of the spectrum from Matthew, but what would this world be without the polarities of both ideas? He may poke at me (& vice versa) and may get disgusted with some of my outlook, but our interaction still brings up really interesting viewpoints & stuff to talk about. Isn't that the whole point of this group?I truly wish I had the capacity to learn what he's learning right now, because it is some of the most amazing information we have in this world. I can read about it all in books, but he's getting to be in the thick of it all. For me, that would be incredible.
Isn't Matthew reading about it in books, too? I mean, we're talking about the supposed shift out in the business world, right? And Matthew's still in college, which as I fondly recall, is not the "real world".We would need some business people to tell us who they are hiring these days, and why.
We would need some business people to tell us who they are hiring these days, and why.Simple. Nobody.
That's true. But, he gets to experience the whole talking about cosmology with groups that are focused & learned in it. When you are in the middle of a group who are all a part of a subject because of their education & background it's a whole different feel than if it's just a bunch of people talking about that subject. Another language is spoken.Don't you feel that way when you're with a bunch of librarian folks? I have when I get together with techies & writers/analysts.
Is that your technical term for that? hee-hee
Business people's expertise is overrated. Just look at our economy:)
When I'm with other librarians, we tend to gossip about the problem patrons. :D
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