In chapter 6, Mr. Pink illuminates one of the aptitudes of the right-brained thinking he's proposing. Symphony, the ability to put together the pieces, synthesize rather than analyze. Composers and conductors were the inspiration for the title of this aptitude, they need the ability to put pieces of the orchestra together to create a pleasing sound. Symphony is personified in The Boundary Crosser, the Metaphor Maker, and the Inventor.
Symphony is described as largely about relationships. People "must know how to link apparently unconnected elements ..." and "... become adept at analogy" to be successful in this new Conceptual Age.
We knew this already, being able to discern patterns and use them to solve problems is one of the essential skills we teach our students. We know that it's an important life skill. We don't put quite as much emphasis on it as Mr. Pink does, using the constant threat that all the analytical jobs are being outsourced or automated. This threat becomes stale and cold by the end of the chapter, sounding like a fanatical mantra more than sage advice.
Being able to synthesize is important, but not at the expense of analyzing the pieces. How are you supposed to put pieces together if you don't understand all the pieces to begin with? I agree that this aptitude is important and will be useful in life. I do not agree, however, with the author's hierarchy and where he places such skills.
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