“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink examines the issue of whether left-brain domination is going to continue or be replaced by right-brain skills. Before all you sculptors start jumping for joy (don’t knock your berets off), you might want to note…that Pink doesn’t promise you all corner offices and wads of cash.

What he does argue convincingly is that the world is changing. Technical jobs (such as writing code) can increasingly be done anywhere around the globe, often cheaper than it can be done in the U.S. Deciding to major in writing computer code may not be the smartest move a high school grad can make right now.

Other fields, like nursing, are still in high demand and that appears to continue. However, more and more hospitals are starting to make noise about providing not just good medical service, but “compassion”, which does require more communication and empathy skills than have previously been taught in medical schools.

Pink cites a number of interesting studies. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the book are the exercises that he suggests at the end of each chapter to further challenge your right brain. After all, who doesn’t want their WHOLE brain to be skilled?

This is a perfect gift for that recent med school grad or for high school graduates in your family.