A Whole New Mind!

2009-05-29T11:32:00.002-05:00

Happy summer to all of you! Thank you to everyone who participated in the first year of iRead, both in person and virtually. We would especially like to thank all of our fabulous guest speakers who made our job easier (planning sessions for all of the different sections would have been a nightmare!). We wanted to give everyone an update about next year's program. Our 2009-10 selection for iRead is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. We have started a blog already: http://drink3cups.blogspot.com/, so be sure to subscribe to it for updates!

2009-04-17T14:29:00.001-05:00

Recap of the iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Nine: “Meaning”

Dr. Harvill Eaton, President of Cumberland University, was our guest discussion leader for the chapter on “Meaning.” He admitted that he had not really given such philosophical issues much thought recently. He recalled taking a Philosophy class in college and how he was influenced by this experience and by his professors. Dr. Eaton related to us that he has a connection to many of the people mentioned in the chapter. He wondered about his own life’s path contemplated how he was pulled back into a small college environment, perhaps due to the values which he finds meaningful.

Dr. Eaton thought the topic, “meaning,” was a difficult one and posed a series of questions for the group to ponder.

What is meant by “meaning?”

Is there an absolute definition of meaning?

If there is meaning, what is it?

As the group explored these questions, our discussion led us to think about the works of scientists and philosophers, such as Siddhartha, Thoreau, Hume, the Dali Lama, Einstein, and others who have contributed their knowledge and wisdom to these

unanswerable questions.

We considered a quote in the book from Dr. Lauren Artess, an Episcopal priest and labyrinth pioneer:

“We are not human beings on a spiritual path,

but spiritual beings on a human path.”

2009-04-15T12:25:00.005-05:00

Recap of the iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Eight: “Play”

Our featured discussion leader was unable to attend so the Library staff facilitated this session with an April Fool’s Day Play Party. This chapter supports the concept that “laughter can improve our health, increase our profits and maybe even bring peace to the world.”

As the group toyed with objects and participated in creative activities, we discussed the book. Daniel Pink states that “humor is showing itself to be an accurate marker for managerial effectiveness, emotional intelligence, and the thinking style characteristic of the brain’s right hemisphere.”

The author uses Southwest Airlines as an example of a company with a “play ethic.” Its mission statement says, “People rarely succeed at anything unless they are having fun doing it.”

The book devotes a large section to online gaming. We had discussed in several previous sessions that this popular technology may be effective in education if used for instructional purposes.

The group contemplated words of wisdom from Fabio Sala from the Harvard Business Review: “Humor, used skillfully, greases the management wheels. It reduces hostility, deflects criticism, relieves tension, improves morale, and helps communicate difficult messages.” We agreed but added, to be effective, humor needs to be used appropriately.

Check out the pictures from our play day!

2009-03-26T09:05:00.004-05:00

Need a little fun in your life? Don't be an April Fool...join us for the iRead discussion on "Play" with Amy Berry on Wednesday, April 1 in the Lawlor Room, Vise Library.

2009-03-19T17:06:00.010-05:00

Recap of the iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Seven: “Empathy”

Lisa Macke of Cumberland University’s Counseling Center lead the group discussion of Chapter Seven on “Empathy.”
She began by asking what part of the chapter left the biggest impression. One person commented on the contagious nature of yawning. Another commented on the study conducted on facial expressions and how the eyes can help reveal if someone is being sincere. The study found that facial expressions are universal and: “That seven basic human emotions have clear facial signs; anger, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt, and happiness.”

Health care was an area discussed concerning the author’s assertion that this is a field in which empathy is needed and most desired. We discussed the inherent nature of empathy in the caring professions and went on to consider whether or not this is a skill that could be taught. The group agreed that scientific knowledge and an empathic nature are needed in the medical professions to be most effective in the healing process.

Lisa stressed the need to communicate empathy and noted that there are four elements of communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Education has done a poor job of teaching listening skills which is the most important skill for understanding the view points of others and being empathic.

There was a discussion about some professions, such as law enforcement, that needed to guard against being empathetic. The professors found it hard to be empathetic, nor sympathetic with students who do not turn in their work for various reasons. They can empathize with the situation, but they see it as a consequence of the student’s actions. Some students’ requests for leniency are a way for them to test the limits of authority. Many of them have been sheltered and over protected and have not always had to deal directly with challenging situations.

People who do not display empathy do not usually have a solid background of human attachment. They may have been in foster care or other situations where attachments were not formed. Empathy requires human connection.

Lisa reviewed another study which found that social skills, more than test scores, were better indicators of future earnings. People with good social skills do better at navigating social settings and can relate well to peers. They are able to find something that they agree upon even if just 1%, to relate with another person and seek understanding.

The group talked about past business/career publications such as Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which has a chapter on empathic communication and recommends: ‘Seek first to understand . . . .” This theme has been covered before and a Whole New Mind reiterates it for a new generation.

2009-03-11T18:13:00.002-05:00

Please join us for the iRead discussion on "Empathy" with Lisa Macke on Wednesday, March 18 in the Lawlor Room, Vise Library.
It's not too late to join the group! If you're interested in joining and receiving a free copy of A Whole New Mind, stop by the library!

2009-03-06T09:42:00.004-06:00

Recap of the Sixth iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Six: “Symphony”

Ted Rose, Cumberland University’s Dean of the School of Music and the Arts, led the discussion on ‘Symphony.” He said that this had a special significance to him because of a painting he remembers as a child with this title. Unlike a lot of art work he was exposed to, this one was full of patterns and shapes, non representational. It bothered him, but he also found it intriguing. Symphony is a lot of parts put together to create a whole. Like in drawing where objects are in relationships with each other. The group looked at the self portrait drawings that are in the book and discussed the differences between the two. We also examined drawings by Dean Rose of paper bags. He pointed out that people draw what they think they see and oversimplify shapes. We need to learn to see better and decipher tone, stroke, and line. He brought our attention to three types of marking systems: weight, edge and shade, as well as negative space. These tools can expand our capacity of expression. Most people need to be taught how to see.

Dean Rose also discussed how our educational system can stifle creativity. One example was when he was in the third grade and moved to another school, his teachers made him use his right hand (he was naturally left-handed). Although this made him dislike school, today he is ambidextrous and uses both hands to draw – as he demonstrated. He also told us about a fellow student who had become paralyzed from the neck down due to a sports accident. As part of his physical therapy, he had to learn to paint with his mouth, which he did successfully. Using his qualities of self discipline and perfectionism, he went on to a successful career in computers, something he never thought of doing before.

Dean Rose also told of a school he visited in Kuwait where the students learn through hands-on activities in small classes. There was much discussion about the limitations of our school systems and the obstacles to managing large classrooms. One method may be to use video gaming technology for educational purposes to engage students. We also pondered an excerpt from an article by Lorin Hollander warning that schools “are not nurturing our most precious resource: the creativity and humanity of our children.”

Next, the discussion led to an architectural project at Pratt Institute in New York where architects from all over the world explored building cities in the sky and other problem solving activities. These exercises changed their building designs and allowed them to think in a whole new way. We looked at pictures of the Dubai rotating skyscraper as an example of innovative architecture.

Dean Rose also spoke of a high school student he taught who was an honor student and a math whiz who was discouraged from taking art. When allowed into art class, he created a self portrait based on the style of Chuck Close. His favorite quote was from Einstein: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

2009-02-17T12:48:00.003-06:00

Come join us!

Chapter Six: "Symphony"

with

Ted Rose

Dean, School of Music and the Arts

Wednesday, February 18th 12:30 in the Library Lawlor Room.

The iRead Book Discussion Group will resume this semester to read and discuss A Whole New Mind Part Two: The Senses New members are welcome at any time. Sign up in the library and receive a free copy of the book. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can participate on our blog: http://thinkdanielpink.blogspot.com/

Meetings with guest speakers will be held in the Library Lawlor Room from 12:30 – 1:30 on the following days: Feb. 18: "Symphony," Ted Rose; March 18: "Empathy," Lisa Macke; April 1: "Play," Amy Berry; April 15: "Meaning," Harvill Eaton

For more information go to: www.cumberland.edu/library, and look under the iWednesday link.

2009-02-07T13:01:00.002-06:00

Recap of the fifth iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Four: “Design”
and
Chapter Five: “Story.”

Margie Monde, Cumberland University’s Director of Graphics & Marketing, and Art Instructor, led the discussion on ‘Design.” Just about all of the attendees saw themselves as artists, including those whose talents are in art appreciation. Ms. Monde stressed that we must all be good designers and cultivate an artistic sensibility to give meaning to our lives. She described a new degree program in Design here at Cumberland. It will include courses in studio art, 2D and 3D design, graphic design, and more. Her presentation focused on the points in the book. Design is crucial to modern business as it will differentiate one product from another. The group examined design magazines which are available in Vise Library. Mention was also made of local art museums such as the Frist in Nashville, and Cumberland’s own Adams Gallery located in the Heydel Auditorium as sources of design inspiration.

Dr. Stuart Harris, Professor of English here at Cumberland University, led the discussion on “Story.” He began by noting that we all use empirical knowledge, but we all live by stories. The group discussed the definition of “myth.” They are stories that are “not true, but are much more important than that.” Modern day examples were given such as Spike Lee’s version of the story of Malcolm X. Myths are stories we live by, that we want to believe, and that resonate throughout our culture.

Joseph Campbell’s hero journey arch type was discussed. Dr. Harris pointed out the elements of the western and detective stories, and how often the main character is a loner living on the margins of society. These stories became increasingly popular as technology developed, and mankind gained the ability to destroy the world. As we lost meaning through the drudgery of our daily work, we looked for it through stories. It was mentioned that this also led to the abstract expressionism movement in art as photography became to develop. Dr. Harris discussed non-linear writing exercises such as word clusters, scar clusters, and floor/street plan stories. He also outlined the benefits of fast writing to “burn through to energy unobstructed by social politeness.” “The American Life” on WPLN radio is good for listening to people telling stories about their lives which he recommends. Another group member recommended the National Stoytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN the first weekend in October – this and other activities are also mentioned in the book.

Dr. Harris will be reading from an original work on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 as part of the University’s Second Cup of Coffee series in the Dining Hall K room.

2009-01-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

Change in schedule for iRead Spring 2009 :

"Design" & "Story" topics will be combined at the

February 4th meeting. We welcome newcomers !

Join us at this 2-for-1 meeting!

2009-01-06T13:15:00.000-06:00

iRead Resumes for Spring 2009 !!!
January 28th at 12.30 pm in the Lawlor Room, Vise Library
You can still sign up and receive
your own copy of A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink -
just ask at the library Circulation Desk!

2008-11-12T13:31:00.000-06:00

Recap of the fourth iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Three: “High Concept, High Touch.”

Brad Iftner, Director of the Academic Technology Center, began the discussion with a personal story about being identified in elementary school as left brained due to his structured approach to his assignments. It was observed that he was left-handed which is often a trait of a right-brained person. We reviewed the chapter and discussed the economic transition from the Agricultural Age to the Conceptual Age. The Conceptual Age is high touch, such as the current emphasis on customer service and making the consumer feel you care.

The discussion continued noting that the aging baby boomers in large part are in a time of their lives where they are seeking more meaning in life. For some this is retirement and for others it may be a change in careers. We are so closely identified with our jobs, that often it is hard to stop working. For some there is much meaning in their work.

We also discussed the section where the author mentioned that GM was in the “art business,” and as GM goes so goes America. We questioned this new approach in light of the recent economic crisis. It was brought up that is was a poor example as GM really did not take risks and only gave lip service to creativity. One participant mentioned attending the World’s Fair twenty or so years ago where they exhibited the automated house of the future. In the garage was an electric car. We wondered why development of the fuel efficient automobile was held back. The automobile industry was short sighted and “afraid to dare.” The movie “Tucker” was brought up to illustrate that sometimes good ideas are often not accepted. In this true story, a new type of automobile was designed in1949 but did not succeed due to industry opposition.

The discussion moved on to our current educational system that is test driven and left-brained centered. It was mentioned that many colleges and universities are moving away from using the SAT scores toward assessing conceptualization. Creativity seems to be pounded out of students to the point that they lose the ability to know how to create.
Some creative students light up when concepts can be taught using computer gaming. Applications using this technology have a lot of potential in the educational process.

The MBA/MFA issue was discussed, noting that many successful MBA graduates are very creative and have the ability to think differently. Some MFA programs can limit creativity and not allow students to think creatively, but mold them to the institution. What is needed is a marriage of the two. Again, it seems right and left brain abilities combined are best in creating a whole new mind.

2008-11-11T13:59:00.000-06:00

Please join us for the iRead discussion of chapter 3 of
A Whole New Mind on Wednesday, November 12th with Brad Iftner on "High Concept, High Touch" in the Lawlor Room, Vise Library.
You can join our group at any time and receive a free copy of
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink.

2008-10-30T13:58:00.000-05:00

Recap of the third iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter Two: “Abundance, Asia and Automation.”

Dr. John Markert, Professor of Sociology, began the discussion by asking what percent of the American population would qualify as living in abundance. He gave statistics indicating that 20% of the population is at or below poverty level, and 40% are blue collar workers who are struggling to pay their bills and just barely getting by. His conclusion is that 60% of the American population is not living an abundant lifestyle and are left out of Daniel Pink’s continuum. That leaves 40% who may fit into the author’s premise that those who have material abundance will be looking for fulfillment and transcendence.

Dr. Markert was critical of the book’s lack of supporting documentation. One of the examples Pink provides to support his theory that there is a shift toward an emphasis in transcendence is the growth of the candle industry. Dr. Markert questioned if this was a creative right brain manifestation as the manufacture and distribution of candles required left brain activities such as marketing and trend forecasting. He also posed the question of whether or not burning candles really had significant meaning. Likewise, he questioned the rise in the growth of yoga. Is it really that big? Many people who try it do it for fitness, and most do not stick with it for very long. He observed that they can not sit still long enough to transcend. Another assumption questioned by Dr. Markert and discussed by the group is the rise of spirituality. He contends that it has always been here but can not be quantifiably measured by church attendance. It is not evidence of an searching for meaning due to an abundant lifestyle.

Dr. Markert asked the group to define creativity. The responses were: originality, artistic expression, intellectual stimulation. He then asked us to wonder what if everyone was right brained. He pointed out that physicians use diagnostic equipment which allows them to spend more time with patients, but does this make them more creative? Also, those that invent technology are right brainers as are all creative geniuses.

A discussion about the educational process as it relates to and the predicted need for more MFA graduates implies that people are free to be more creative. Dr. Markert argues that the process of completing a degree program includes going through a structured process, following the rules, and marching to a standard tune. Often the most creative people can not make it through school and some that do must unlearn what they are taught. He provided examples of two writers, Robert Palmer and Carl Hiaasen. Although writing novels is considered a creative, right brain activity, their stories follow a set formula and the authors must be disciplined in meeting deadlines, using punctuation and grammar, etc. These are left brain qualities.

In our discussion about outsourcing we noted that most of the jobs that are being outsourced to Asia are computer programmers (knowledge workers) and manufacturing jobs (blue collar workers). We reflected on the Agricultural Age where people had to be creative to survive. In the Industrial Age we sought to survive by giving up creativity in favor of automation. Concerning automation, he cited the Luddites who revolted against machines as they feared they would replace people. It was noted that often machines create new job opportunities. There are also jobs that can not be done by machines and there are job opportunities available for skilled, left brained workers. We examined the growth in occupation areas such as home health care and nursing and debated if this required right brain strengths such as empathy, or rather left brain strengths in using medical technology, knowledge of drug interactions and dosages, and following strict rules and procedures. Dr. Markert also pointed out that small business owners are not free to be creative and nine out of ten fail. It may be advantageous for corporations to encourage right brain activities as this will help workers get outside the box.

Dr. Markert stressed that there are not that many creative people in our society and a lot of them do not have the skills to make money. The old saying is that it takes 1% inspiration (right brain) to succeed and 99% perspiration (left brain). Right brainers will most likely not rule the world as the title of the book states. Is this new business model really a formula for success?

2008-10-28T13:56:00.001-05:00

Everyone is invited to attend the next meeting of the Whole New Mind iRead Book Discussion Group on Wed., Oct. 29 at 12:30 in the Library Lawlor Room. Dr. John Markert, Professor of Sociology, will be our guest discussion leader. He will cover Chapter Two: “Abundance, Asia and Automation.”

You can join our group at any time and receive a free copy of A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink.

2008-10-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

Recap of the second iRead meeting

on Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind,

Chapter One: “Right Brain Rising”

Dr. Mike Thweatt, Professor of Psychology here at Cumberland, led the discussion on Chapter One, “Right Brain Rising.” He reviewed brain research which to some extent supports the premise of the book. However, he questioned why the author chose the subtitle: “Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future,” as the book promotes the development of the whole mind. Dr. Thweatt also examined the popular myth that we only use 10% of our brain. This is not true! We use 100% of our brain. A different question to ask is do we use only 10% of our mind!

Research on lateralization of the brain indicates the brain’s capacity to integrate the abilities of the two halves. People who have lost a limb experience “phantom limb” whereby the brain will not accept a lack of input from the missing sensors and adapts by taking the input from somewhere else, frequently on the face.

Research has also been done on the isolation of the brain hemispheres. In one experiment a group of people with left brain damage, (aphasics with language problems), were compared to “normal” group of people in their ability to tell whether or not a person was telling the truth. The “normal” group was able to distinguish this 50% of the time, and the left brain damaged group was able to distinguish the truth 60% of the time. This was attributed to their ability to pick up on emotional nuances rather than judging by speech.
Experiment with people with right brain damage shows they can not pick up on nuances or detect sarcasm. Dr. Thweatt also noted that there have been surgical operations to spilt brain abilities which have been effective in the treatment of epilepsy to help the two sides of the brain better communicate.

Other cutting edge research indicates that the brain exhibits plasticity. In circumstances where the vestibular sense is destroyed, the brain no longer receives input from the inner ear which limits an individual’s sense of balance. Researchers have developed a devise that reroutes this input through a sensor on the tongue. The brain eventually adapts to the point where the sensor is no longer needed. Another experiment involved hand maps by sticking micropes in monkey brains. When the mapped fingers were bound or amputated, but the brain adapted quickly. Monks can change their brains through meditation. Intensive and regular practice can change the brain. An experiment with chess masters and cab drivers also reveal pattern recognition.

The ability to see things holistically, seeing the big picture is Gestalt psychology which does not see the brain broken into pieces, but working together.

2008-10-14T13:52:00.000-05:00

Second iRead Meeting, Wednesday, October 15th, 12.30-1.30 PM in

Vise Library, Lawlor Room :
October 15 "Right Brain Rising"
with Prof. Michael Thweatt
Please JOIN US !

2008-10-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you to those who attended our first meeting.

Here is a recap: The main premise of A Whole New Mind is that humanity is undergoing a shift from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age where a more holistic thinking approach will be needed. The author claims that this transition is fueled by what he calls the three As; Abundance, Asia, and Automation. Material abundance is causing a shift from products and services that serve basic needs to more products and services that fulfill our wants and desires. Asia is fueling this shift by its growing competitiveness in the marketplace, and automation has replaced routine jobs with sophisticated computers. Daniel Pink asks the reader to consider three questions: Can someone do what you are doing for cheaper? Can a computer do what you are doing faster? and Are you offering something that others cannot?The author states that in order to stay relevant, we must develop our mind holistically and shift our emphasis on the left brain more to the right brain. Brielfy, the left brain is sequential and the right brain is simultaneous; the left is text, the right is context; and the left sees details, the right sees the big picture. Both sides work together as a whole (new) mind.The two halves of the brain are discussed in greater detail in Chapter One, "Right brain Rising." We will discuss this further in our next meeting on Oct. 15 with Dr. Thweatt. For fun, take the Right/Left Brain Quiz (see link on the blog) to see which side of your brain predominates. Complete page one of the quiz and then read page two and score yourself. Post your comments on the blog! -- Eloise Hitchcock

2008-10-01T13:49:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US AT THE FIRST iREAD MEETING !!
NOW....
SEND US YOUR REACTION COMMENTS AND INPUT TOWARD THE NEXT WEDNESDAY MEETING (OCTOBER 15TH)
BE SURE TO CONTACT AMBER WOODARD AT awoodard@cumberland.edu or x1302 with any concerns, additions, questions !!

2008-09-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

RIGHT/LEFT BRAIN QUIZ FROM FIRST iREAD MEETING : PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS ON THE MEETING AND THE QUIZ on the Blog ... HERE!

2008-09-29T13:45:00.000-05:00

Please take The Whole New Mind Survey. This survey will be given at the end of the program also.

2008-09-24T13:40:00.002-05:00

The iREAD discussion group will meet twice a month to talk about the book over the course of the academic year. Guest speakers will be invited to comment and lead the chapter discussions. We have also created this blog for online discussion and provide links to web sites relevant to the readings. Vise Library will provide free copies of the book to students who sign up to participate in the iREAD program. There are sign-up sheets at the circulation desk for those interested in joining the group.
A Whole New Mind book discussion group will meet
every other Wednesday from 12.30-1.30 PM in the Lawlor Room in Vise Library.
DATES & TOPICS FOR FALL SEMESTER -
Part One "The Conceptual Age":

October 1 Introduction
October 15 "Right Brain Rising" Michael Thweatt
October 29 "Abundance, Asia, and Automation" John Markert
November 12 "High Concept, High Touch" Brad Iftner

DATES & TOPICS FOR SPRING SEMESTER -
Part Two "The Six Senses" :

January 28 "Design" Margie Monde
February 4 "Story" Stuart Harris
February 18 "Symphony" Dean Ted Rose
March 18 "Empathy" - Lisa Macke
April 1 "Play" - Amy Berry
April 15 "Meaning" - Dr. Eaton

2008-09-15T13:33:00.002-05:00

~ Cumberland University ~
Vise Library iREAD Program

The new iRead program intiated by the Vise Library is designed to affirm the importance of reading and to create a common reading experience for the Cumberland community. We hope to encourage interaction among students and faculty and to promote critical thinking by facilitating reading and discussion of important books.

Our first selection is A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. The premise of this best-selling book is that, "The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind : artists, inventors, storytellers ... creative and holistic "right-brain" thinkers whose abilities mark the fault line between who gets ahead and who doesn't.

Drawing on research from around the world, Pink outlines the six fundamentally human abilities that are absolute essentials for professional success and personal fulfillment - and reveals how to master them.

A Whole New Mind takes readers to a daring new place, and a provocative and necessary new way of thinking about a future that's already here."