Reflection Part I: A Whole New Mind by: Daniel H. Pink

     In the book entitled: A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future Daniel Pink argues that we are in the midst of a new age in history. He coins this new age as the "Conceptual Age" where we need to be more Right-brained, while still utilizing the left-brain. Pink provides a historical context, by outlining the transition from an "Agriculture Age" to "Industrial Age" to "Information Age" to what he coins to be the "Conceptual Age" as seen in Figure 3.1 of his text (Pink 49). Pink explains that due to the outsourcing of jobs to places like India, mechanical and at times rote jobs, such as computer engineering, seem to be in danger in the U.S. He argues that since it is the Left side of the brain that is predominantly focused with linear and analytic thinking: "...sequential, literal, functional, textual, and analytic" (Pink 26); and these types of jobs are being outsourced  there is a need for a shift on the use of the right-side of the brain. Pink describes the right-side of the brain as encompassing the following attributes: "simultaneous, metaphorical, aesthetic, contextual, and synthetic" (Pink 26). Pink argues that the "Conceptual Age" is one that focuses more on the use of the creative right-side of the brain, but asserts that the left-side of the brain is of course still needed. He refers to an interesting synthesis of both side of the brains, in which the analytic business (left side) will need to be paired with the more creative artistic side (right side). The need for the right side, lies in the fact that it is no longer sufficient to simply create products like the factories did, in uniform ways, but rather the design itself is what needs to appeal to people to consume. What makes the product or idea unique and creative, and therefore beautiful.
     Pink's argument is very logical and supported with many convincing examples. In particular, I would say I would agree with Pink, because through a different lens he is further supporting the theory of multiple intelligences as proposed by Howard Gardner. As an educator, I have been exposed to the reality of the different ways in which students learn, whether it be that they are stronger visual, kinesthetic, auditory learners, or a combination of those learning styles. The multiple intelligences theory is one that my eyes have been opened to in the classroom. In particular I found Pink's discussion about the alternative SAT dubbed the Rainbow Project to be enlightening. It is an exam that is not constricted to mere bubble in the correct answer, but truly requires students to be critical thinkers with a creative edge. This critical and creative combination that Pink discusses, is one that I hope I can one day pursue in my lessons, learning, teaching, with and by my students.