We are the Machine

I really enjoyed A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink. Actually had a long conversation with my sister about it; she is working on her undergrad right now and applying to med school. She has found that medical schools these days would often rather have students get their bachelor's in art or the humanities then the traditional biology or other science. And it is precisely for the reason Pink argues: "Empathy is moving to the forefront of the medical profession. It is giving way to a new generation of health care professionals...who can combine rule-based detachment with emotion-based empathy into a whole new medicine."
The idea that the right-brain is going to be the key to success in the brave new world is interesting. First, you have to assume the definition of success. He seems to put an emphasis on where the money is flowing - how to survive and climb to the top in the new age. And I think his argument is valid, concerning the basic principle of supply and demand. There are alot more and alot cheaper options for performing left brain tasks - "Abundance, Asia, and Automation." There is so much crap to go around that quality and price are now pretty much assumed. Having a design that stands out is key. And just as manufacturing has been farmed out to other countries, so now are left-brain jobs. Computers may be the most convincing reason, as they are almost to the point where our left brains will never even stand a chance competing against them. So if you want to succeed in the capitalist economy of America or the first world, you need to develop the right brain. The six necessary skills addressed are design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. Does this mean that the nerds and geeks, the Bill Gates and the left-brainers who have been at the top are going to be the rebellious "starving artists" of the future? Will poets and artists be sellouts? But the world is changing rapidly in many ways. The world is quickly becoming connected as never before. Maybe the old paradigms and hierarchies of difference can also be replaced. Maybe that's wishful thinking.
I like his conclusion that the meaning of life is to pursue happiness. What else are you going to do? And honestly what does everybody do? Even most who deny themselves or perscecute their bodies in the name of religion or whatever do it because they expect a greater happiness down the road. I agree with Dr. Firestone, quoted by Pink: "You're not going to find the meaning of life hidden under a rock written by someone else. You'll only find it by giving meaning to life from inside yourself."
Also I think we should start a Durango laughter club. It would be hilarious. It seems that some feel it could even usher in world peace. Here's a video of a laughter club - now an international movement that was started in India by Dr. Kataria.