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

At one point, Pink posits that psychological androgyny is one path to whole-minded thinking and that R-Directed Thinking is often associated with femininity. In what way is Pink articulating our own society’s understanding of gender in relation to knowledge and power? Do you believe it is possible for the mind to be completely androgynous?

Consider Pink’s six senses. How natural are these senses to the human mind? Explain why some may be easier to accommodate into everyday life than others and why it is important to strengthen these aptitudes. 

In what ways does your school or work environment promote L-Directed Thinking? What aspects of R-Directed Thinking could your environment benefit from, and how might Pink’s lessons be implemented?

We have now reached the Conceptual Age that Pink predicted. What do you think he got right? How much further does American society have to go to fully embrace this age, and how do you think Pink’s vision can be reached?

Consider Pink’s technical approach to relating the importance of his concepts. In each chapter, he employs an anecdote to build up to his argument; how does this enrich the text? How does this technique subscribe to the lessons he tries to convey? What other narrative techniques does he use to supplement the information? 

Explain the three forces to which Pink attributes the rise of the Conceptual Age. Do you agree with him that these have led to a shift away from L-Directed Thinking? How might these forces change in the coming years if Pink’s predictions are correct? 

How have the themes/lessons of this text held up to time? Pick one idea from the text that you find problematic and unpack it. How would you adapt it with the benefit of hindsight?

Explain the key differences between the left and right hemispheres. How have conceptions about left/right-brain abilities changed over time? How have generalized understandings of L-Directed and R-Directed Thinking manifested in society’s values?