Are you ready to thrive in the Conceptual Age? How can you harness the power of right-brain thinking—creativity, empathy, and big-picture synthesis—to succeed in a world transformed by abundance and automation? What does Harvard Business School's acceptance rate have to do with UCLA's fine arts graduate program? Dive into our journey as we navigate the major shift in our society and economy, and explore the six key aptitudes: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. Welcome to a world where meaning is the new money.

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

Our brains are extraordinary, with 100 billion cells forming a network of one quadrillion connections. Nobel laureate James Watson called the brain “the most complex thing we have yet discovered in our universe.” Historically, scientists believed the left hemisphere was the crucial half, responsible for language and logic, while the right was considered a vestigial relic.

This view changed in the 1950s when Roger W. Sperry’s research on “split-brain” patients showed that the right hemisphere wasn’t inferior but different. It excelled at holistic thinking, pattern recognition, and interpreting emotions. Sperry’s work earned him a Nobel Prize and reshaped our understanding of the brain.

Art instructor Betty Edwards popularized these findings with her book, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain," which taught that anyone could learn to draw by engaging the right hemisphere. Despite misconceptions, both sides of the brain are essential and work together.

The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, processes information sequentially, and specializes in text. The right hemisphere controls the left side, processes information simultaneously, and specializes in context. The left analyzes details; the right synthesizes the big picture.

Leading a healthy, happy life requires both hemispheres. Some people favor logical, sequential reasoning (L-Directed Thinking), while others prefer holistic, intuitive reasoning (R-Directed Thinking). Historically, society has prized L-Directed Thinking, but this is changing. R-Directed aptitudes like artistry, empathy, and long-term thinking are becoming more critical in determining success.

This shift is inspiring, signaling a new way of navigating our personal and professional lives.

Can Understanding Our Brain Hemispheres Unlock the Secret to a Successful Future?

Journey back to the 1970s, an era when American middle-class parents had a formula for success: get good grades, go to college, and land a job as a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. This advice shaped a generation of "knowledge workers," a term coined by Peter Drucker to describe those who thrived on theoretical and analytical knowledge. These workers sailed through standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, and MCAT, which all rewarded logical, sequential thinking.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has dramatically shifted. The SAT-ocracy, which once ruled, is losing its grip. Now, right-brained, creative, and empathetic thinking is increasingly valuable. Three forces are driving this change: Abundance, Asia, and Automation.

First, consider Abundance. In the '70s, shopping at a mall was a big deal. Today, we have mega-shopping sites like Potomac Yards, overflowing with designer goods at bargain prices. This era of plenty, fueled by knowledge workers, has elevated our living standards but paradoxically left many searching for deeper meaning. Material wealth no longer suffices; people now crave beauty, spirituality, and emotion in their lives and products.

Next, Asia. The rise of well-educated, low-cost professionals in countries like India and China is reshaping the job market. Jobs that once paid $70,000 in the U.S. are now being done for a fraction of the cost overseas. This outsourcing extends beyond software development to fields like financial analysis, legal research, and even medical diagnostics.

Finally, Automation. Machines are taking over tasks that require rule-based logic and calculation. From software that writes code to online medical diagnosis tools, technology is replacing many traditional roles. Even chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov fell to a computer, illustrating how machines are outpacing human capabilities in left-brain tasks.

In this new world, success hinges on abilities that machines and overseas workers can't replicate—creativity, empathy, and big-picture thinking. As abundance, Asia, and automation reshape our lives, individuals and businesses must adapt to a landscape where right-brained skills are not just valuable but essential.

From SAT-ocracy to Creativity: The Evolution of Success in the Age of Abundance, Asia, and Automation

Picture the last 150 years as a gripping three-act drama. Act I, the Industrial Age, starred the mass production worker, thriving on physical strength. Act II, the Information Age, spotlighted the knowledge worker, excelling in analytical thought. Now, we’re in Act III: the Conceptual Age, where creators and empathizers take center stage, mastering creativity and emotional intelligence.

Imagine a world where the key to success isn’t just hard skills but the ability to craft compelling stories, understand human emotions, and find deeper meaning. This shift is driven by three forces: Abundance, Asia, and Automation. As wealth grows, technology advances, and global connections deepen, our economy and society increasingly value right-brain thinking—creativity, empathy, and big-picture synthesis.

Consider medical schools, once bastions of analytical prowess, now embracing "narrative medicine" and empathy training. Columbia University teaches future doctors to listen to patients' stories, while Yale students study art to hone their observational skills. Even General Motors is rebranding itself as being in the "art business," under the leadership of a former Marine, no less.

The rise of right-brain thinking is reshaping education and employment. Harvard Business School's 10% acceptance rate pales in comparison to the 3% acceptance at UCLA's fine arts graduate program. Corporations like McKinsey are favoring arts graduates over traditional MBAs, recognizing the value of creativity in distinguishing their products and services in a crowded marketplace. 

A poignant example is the booming "caring professions." As routine jobs move overseas, roles demanding empathy, like nursing and counseling, are flourishing. This shift is evident even in standardized testing, with Yale's Rainbow Project focusing on creativity and real-world problem-solving over pure analytical skills.

Beyond the workplace, there's a profound cultural shift towards meaning and spirituality. Meditation, yoga, and spiritually-themed entertainment are now mainstream, driven by aging baby boomers seeking purpose beyond material success. Researchers have identified "Cultural Creatives," who value empathy, big-picture thinking, and an ethic of caring.

So, how do we prepare for this new era? By mastering six key aptitudes: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. These "six senses" are essential for thriving in the Conceptual Age, where the ability to connect, create, and find joy and purpose becomes paramount.

Are We Entering the Conceptual Age Where Creativity and Empathy Reign Supreme?

In today’s Conceptual Age, mastering six key aptitudes is crucial to complement traditional L-Directed reasoning. These six senses are designed to foster a new, holistic mindset:

1. Design: Beyond mere functionality, products, services, and experiences must also be beautiful and emotionally engaging. 
2. Story: Persuasion and communication now hinge on crafting compelling narratives, not just presenting data.
3. Symphony: The ability to synthesize disparate elements and see the big picture is now more valuable than mere specialization.

4. Empathy: Understanding and caring for others will set successful individuals apart in an information-saturated world.
5. Play: Laughter and lightheartedness hold significant health and professional benefits.
6. Meaning: In a world of material abundance, people seek purpose and spiritual fulfillment.

These senses are integral to human nature and have been part of our makeup since our ancestors told stories and created innovations. However, they have atrophied in the Information Age and need to be revitalized. 

Let's look at the power of Design in more detail. Gordon MacKenzie, a creative force at Hallmark, illustrated the undervaluation of creativity in schools. He observed that as children advance in grades, fewer identify as artists due to societal norms. Our current world demands a return to this innate creativity. 

The Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD) in Philadelphia exemplifies this shift by integrating design with traditional subjects, transforming students from tough neighborhoods who once struggled academically into college-bound creatives. This approach helps students develop holistic thinking, with 80% of graduates going on to higher education. 

Design isn't just about aesthetics; it combines utility and significance. For example, a well-designed table must be functional (utility) and aesthetically pleasing (significance). The democratization of design means that quality design is now accessible to a broader audience, making it a crucial differentiator in business and a tool for world-changing innovation.

The democratization of design is evident everywhere—from the mainstreaming of high-end aesthetics by stores like Target to the realization by corporations that design is crucial for differentiation. For example, automakers now focus on design as much as engineering to stay competitive. The practical impact of design is also seen in healthcare, where improved environments speed up patient recovery, and in education, where better-designed schools boost test scores.

Bad design, on the other hand, can have monumental consequences, as seen in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, where a poorly designed butterfly ballot arguably cost Al Gore the presidency.

Design isn't just for professionals anymore. It's about creating solutions and enhancing daily life. From sketching ideas to reading design magazines, anyone can cultivate this sense. Design can transform mundane objects into sources of joy and meaning, and when applied thoughtfully, it can make our world a better place.

Mastering the Six Senses: Thriving in the Conceptual Age through Design and Innovation

Cognitive scientist Mark Turner explains that "narrative imagining" is our primary mode of thought. Stories help us understand, predict, and connect. This was true for our prehistoric ancestors, who told tales around campfires, and remains true today. Despite the Information Age prioritizing facts, stories are essential in making sense of the world.

Consider the hero's journey, a narrative structure identified by Joseph Campbell. It’s a timeless blueprint where the hero departs, faces challenges, transforms, and returns enlightened. This structure is everywhere—from ancient myths to modern movies like "Star Wars" and "The Matrix." 

In the business world, storytelling is gaining traction. Robert McKee, a Hollywood story guru, now teaches business executives how to craft compelling narratives. Organizations like NASA and Xerox are harnessing storytelling for knowledge management. Steve Denning, a former World Bank executive, discovered that organizational knowledge is best conveyed through stories, leading to better understanding and innovation.

Storytelling is also revolutionizing medicine. Dr. Rita Charon at Columbia University promotes "narrative medicine," teaching doctors to listen empathically and understand patients' stories for better diagnosis and care. This approach blends scientific rigor with emotional insight, fostering better doctor-patient relationships.

In our personal lives, storytelling helps us make sense of our experiences and connect with others. Whether through scrapbooking, genealogy, or simply sharing anecdotes, stories provide context and meaning. They are not just for entertainment; they are essential tools for understanding ourselves and the world.

Is Storytelling the Secret Weapon to Thrive in the Conceptual Age?

Symphony is about synthesis, seeing relationships, and creating something new from seemingly unrelated elements. This skill is crucial today as automation and outsourcing take over many routine tasks. What remains valuable is the human ability to recognize patterns, make connections, and think creatively.

Symphonic thinking isn't just for artists. Entrepreneurs, like those who manage the relationship between offshore coders and Western clients, thrive on this skill. They must be comfortable in different cultures and disciplines, able to see the big picture and make bold leaps of imagination.

Consider the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Theory of Innovation: powerful ideas often come from combining existing ones in new ways. John Fabel, inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge, invented a new type of backpack by blending its structure with traditional design.

Metaphors also play a crucial role in Symphony. They help us understand complex ideas by relating them to familiar concepts. For instance, the invention of Velcro came from seeing burrs stuck to a dog’s fur and thinking metaphorically.

The ability to see the big picture is vital for success. Studies show that dyslexics, who often struggle with linear thinking, excel at recognizing patterns and thinking holistically. Entrepreneurs like Charles Schwab and Richard Branson attribute their success to this ability.

In the Conceptual Age, seeing the big picture and understanding the relationships between relationships are vital. This skill is not limited to business but extends to personal well-being, helping people navigate modern life's overwhelming choices and information.

To develop this aptitude, one can listen to symphonies, draw, explore unfamiliar topics, keep a metaphor log, brainstorm effectively, and embrace mistakes. By seeing the negative spaces and the whole, one can enhance their ability to think symphonically and thrive in a complex world.

Mastering Symphony: The Art of Seeing the Big Picture in Life and Business

Empathy is about feeling with others, not just for them. It's an instinctive act of connecting with someone else's emotions. Steven Platek, a cognitive neuroscientist, links contagious yawning to empathy, showing that those who yawn contagiously often score high on empathy tests.

Empathy is crucial. It helps us understand different perspectives, comfort the distressed, and navigate social interactions. Yet, it wasn't always valued in the Information Age, where emotional distance was prized. However, the tide is shifting. Daniel Goleman's book *Emotional Intelligence* highlighted the importance of emotional abilities over conventional intellect, signaling a change.

Charles Darwin, in 1872, suggested that emotions and their expressions are universal among mammals. Paul Ekman's research in the 1960s confirmed this, showing that facial expressions are interpreted similarly across cultures. This understanding is vital for empathy since emotions are often conveyed non-verbally.

Empathy involves reading these non-verbal cues, a skill linked to our brain's right hemisphere. People with damage to this area struggle with recognizing emotions, whereas those with left hemisphere damage excel at it. This is because they rely more on facial cues than verbal communication.

In the Conceptual Age, empathy is invaluable. Computers can handle many tasks but struggle with emotional intelligence. This makes human empathy irreplaceable. For instance, at Stanford Business School, students flock to a course on "Interpersonal Dynamics," emphasizing touchy-feely skills, crucial for future leaders.

Empathy also reshapes professions like law, where understanding clients' needs and reading jury expressions are key. Lawyers who empathize will thrive, as will professionals in other fields. Empathy, as Oprah Winfrey says, is about connecting and inspiring people.

Medicine, too, is embracing empathy. Doctors are learning to combine clinical detachment with emotional connection. This shift is evident in how medical schools now emphasize empathic communication since doctors who listen and empathize can make life-saving decisions.

Likewise, nurses who are known for their empathic care, are in high demand. Their ability to provide emotional support makes them indispensable. Women, in general, tend to score higher on empathy tests, possibly due to a brain wiring difference, as Simon Baron-Cohen suggests. But everyone can develop their empathic abilities.

Empathy is not just about professional success; it's a way of living. It connects us, brings joy, and adds meaning to life. By understanding others, we become more human. So, whether through reading facial expressions, taking an acting class, or volunteering, we can all enhance our empathy.

Is Empathy the Secret Key to Professional Success and Personal Fulfillment?

Meet Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai who believes in the transformative power of laughter. He scaled back his medical practice to pioneer laughter clubs, where people gather to laugh together, hoping laughter can spread like a "benevolent virus" to improve health, profits, and even world peace. Today, there are about 2,500 laughter clubs worldwide, including many in India and the West, with the workplace being the fastest-growing venue.

Dr. Kataria’s laughter clubs focus on "thought-free" laughter, aiming for unconditional joyfulness rather than conditional happiness. Laughter has numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress hormones, boosting the immune system, and providing aerobic exercise. It also fosters social connections, which are essential for well-being.

Companies like Glaxo and Volvo have embraced laughter clubs, recognizing that laughter can reduce workplace stress and foster creativity and collaboration. Kataria dreams of seeing laughing rooms in every company, believing that a play ethic can enhance the work ethic.

Contrast this with the 1930s and 1940s Ford Motor Company, where laughter was a disciplinary offense. Henry Ford feared that mixing work and play would result in chaos. However, in today's Conceptual Age, organizations like Southwest Airlines and European firms are embracing a play ethic to boost creativity and productivity.

Take video games, for instance. The U.S. military created "America’s Army," a game that helps with recruitment by giving players a virtual taste of military life. Video games have evolved into a powerful learning tool, teaching skills vital in the Conceptual Age like teamwork, problem-solving, and empathy. Research even shows that playing video games can enhance visual perception, information processing, and even surgical skills.

Humor, too, plays a crucial role in modern workplaces. Studies show that effective executives use humor more often, which helps in reducing hostility, deflecting criticism, and improving morale. Humor requires right-brain abilities like contextual thinking and big-picture understanding, making it a sophisticated form of intelligence valuable in today's world.

Laughter is Divine Mathematics: Dr. Madan Kataria's Revolutionary Approach to Boosting Workplace Productivity

In early winter 1942, Viktor Frankl, a young psychiatrist, was arrested by Austrian authorities in Vienna. Anticipating the roundup, his wife Tilly sewed his manuscript into his coat. However, upon arriving at Auschwitz, the manuscript was confiscated. 

Despite the harsh conditions and losing his family, Frankl recreated his work on scraps of paper. This formed the basis of "Man’s Search for Meaning," a seminal book on finding purpose even in suffering. Frankl's theory, "logotherapy," posits that the main human drive is the pursuit of meaning, not pleasure or pain avoidance.

Today, the search for meaning is more relevant than ever. With increased wealth and a shift in values towards self-expression and quality of life, people are more focused on finding purpose. Researchers like Ronald Inglehart have observed a global shift from materialist to post-materialist values, emphasizing meaning over material wealth.

The Dalai Lama's collaboration with scientists at MIT's "Investigating the Mind" conference highlights the intersection of spirituality and science, exploring how faith and meditation impact our brains and well-being. Studies show that spirituality can improve health, lower blood pressure, and increase longevity.

Businesses are also recognizing the importance of spirituality. Research shows that companies embracing spiritual values often outperform others. Employees seek workplaces that offer purpose, not just paychecks.

Positive psychology, led by Martin Seligman, has also shifted focus to understanding happiness. Seligman identifies elements like satisfying work, social connections, and gratitude as key to well-being. His research supports that happiness can lead to increased productivity and fulfillment.

The concept of labyrinths as a form of moving meditation is gaining popularity. Unlike mazes, labyrinths offer a centering experience, helping individuals find calm and purpose. They are now found in various settings, including hospitals and universities, providing a space for reflection and healing.

In essence, the pursuit of meaning is a fundamental aspect of human life, enriched by spirituality, positive psychology, and mindful practices like walking labyrinths. These elements collectively enhance our well-being, offering a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Can the Search for Meaning, Spirituality and Positive Psychology Enhance Our Well-being and Fulfillment?

Our brains are integral in navigating the complexities of modern life. With their distinct hemispheric functions, they reveal the necessity of balancing logical, sequential reasoning with holistic, intuitive thinking. Historically, society has favored the former, but now there's a shift towards valuing creativity, empathy, and long-term thinking—aptitudes crucial for success in today's world.

This change is driven by three major forces: abundance, Asia, and automation. With material wealth and technological advancements, there's a growing emphasis on design, storytelling, and finding deeper meaning. This new era, the Conceptual Age, values right-brain thinking, highlighting the importance of creativity, empathy, and big-picture synthesis.

Educational and professional landscapes are evolving to embrace these changes. For instance, medical schools are now integrating narrative medicine and empathy training, recognizing that understanding patients' stories enhances care. Similarly, corporations are valuing artistic skills over traditional analytical abilities, acknowledging that creativity and emotional intelligence are critical in a competitive market.

Empathy stands out as a vital skill. It's not just about understanding others but connecting deeply with their emotions, which is essential in both personal and professional realms. This shift towards empathy is evident in various fields, from business to medicine, where emotional intelligence is becoming indispensable.

Play and humor also play crucial roles in fostering creativity and productivity. Laughter clubs and video games are emerging as powerful tools for learning and enhancing workplace dynamics. They demonstrate that integrating joy and play into work can lead to healthier, more innovative environments.

Lastly, the pursuit of meaning is fundamental. With increased prosperity, people are seeking purpose beyond material success. Spirituality, positive psychology, and practices like walking labyrinths are gaining traction, helping individuals find fulfillment and deeper connections.

Ultimately, thriving in the Conceptual Age requires mastering six key aptitudes: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. These skills aren't just practical; they enrich our lives, offering a pathway to joy, purpose, and success in an ever-evolving world.

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