Recommended: A Whole New Mind

Normally at YII, we stick to spotlighting resources directly related to the entertainment industry so at first glance, this book may not seem to qualify, but stick with me here– and with author Dan Pink– and you will see why majoring in film or storytelling or new media these days might just be a safer bet than studying accounting or going to law school or even getting an MBA.

Daniel Pink’s A Whole New Mind (affiliate link) contends that three forces are having a major impact on the economy of the western world: abundance, automation, and Asia. Put simply, as a society at large, even our not-so-basic needs are being met now. (A walk down the mustard aisle at your local grocery store can give you an idea of what he means by “abundance.”) Processes that used to be done by hand are increasingly being done by computer programs or other means of automation. (Visit LegalZoom.com to find out why lawyers offering basic services are becoming obsolete.) And anything that can be outsourced overseas is being outsourced overseas.

These three forces, abundance, automation, and Asia may be decreasing the value of certain services (when they are being offered in the traditional mode), but they are bringing more weight to skills previously thought of “soft” and to professions once consideredriskier career paths.

He breaks his examination of these “new world” areas of value into what he calls “The Six Senses.” These are design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning and, in sections devoted to each, he gives examples of how developing and applying these uniquely human abilities gives an individual additional value in today’s marketplace.

YII found this to be a fascinating read and way of looking at the 21st century world economy and though we wouldn’t discount the value of a law or business degree, we agree that developing Dan Pink’s six senses is a vital advantage in today’s world, where those who can provide us with meaning, story, fun and/or connection are the most in demand.

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