A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink

Daniel Pink in his book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future , provides a glimpse into the future from 2006 that appears to be quite accurate as 2015 nears the end of summer. Many jobs or task that can be written as a step by step sequence or routine algorithm can be replaced by a computer or robotics.  New jobs will require merging playfulness, creativity, humor and design as well as technical expertise.

Although he does not explicitly state it, his approach moves away from a strict STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum and incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).

Ruling the future requires us to engage the six senses

1. Design - Create products with both function and beauty
2. Story - Present not just the facts but a memorable tale that sticks
3. Symphony - Combine parts into an integrated whole
4. Empathy - Understand the perspective of others to serve them better
5. Play - A sense of playfulness spurs creativity and produces a joyful experience
6. Meaning - Work and interact for a larger purpose an intrinsic rather than extrinsic goal

A portfolio follows each of these six sections of the book. This includes additional resources to further apply the principles in the chapter. 

Visual logic has produced a graphic recording of Daniel Pink's Book A Whole New Mind.

Daniel Pink - Book summary - Changes - 4 minutes

Education and the Changing World of Work - 4 min.

Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss

 

Lynn Truss's book, Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation offers a blunt humorous defense of proper punctuation. The author focuses primarily on British punctuation, but she adds a few comparisons to American usage where there is a distinct difference.

I appreciate the quotes in the book from famous authors illustrating the proper use of punctuation.  The comma, employed by a master writer, can be used to bounce a sentence along.  The comma delineated items hold the reader in suspense until at last the period releases the tension.

Lynn Truss - 15 minutes

Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.

I listened the audio version of the Tal Ben-Shahar's book, Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment.  I found it a helpful guide to purposely choosing to be happier. 

The most helpful section relates to a grid that relates to optimizing happiness.

• Hedonism - Pleasure now, Pain later  -  Example: binge on sugar snacks and regret it later.
• Nihilism - Avoid interaction and engaging in the world, isolation and depression
• Rat race - Pain now with happiness deferred. 
• Happiness optimization - Enjoy the journey, Enjoy the results  

An example of my own happiness optimization:  A coworker and I developed a skit about ergonomics for the Minnesota State Fair.  The skit was titled Goldy and the Three Chairs.  We enjoyed the process of skit development laughing to the point of exhaustion at the bits we had to cut out.  We also enjoyed the final performance at the Fair and observing the audience response.  John Cleese relates a similar experience when he would write scripts with Graham Chapman.  He would physically fall on the floor convulsed with laughter during their script writing sessions. They also enjoyed doing the performance. 

The author suggests that happiness revolves around working on tasks that have intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards.  Typical extrinsic rewards are monetary, positional and external recognition.  The intrinsic rewards will vary for each person.  Intrinsic rewards provide additional meaning and purpose in life.

The book is of reasonable length, accessible and helpful for individuals choosing to lead a happier life.

Five ways to become happier - Think Big - 4.5 minutes

• Accept and feel pain (only psychopaths and dead people don't)
• Spend time with friends
• Move more and be physically active
• Express gratitude
• Simplify your life