This book argues that the division of the brain into two hemispheres is essential to human existence, allowing for two incompatible versions of the world. The left hemisphere is detail-oriented, prefers mechanisms to living things, and is inclined to self-interest, while the right hemisphere has greater breadth, flexibility, and generosity. McGilchrist takes the reader on a journey through the history of Western culture, illustrating the tension between these two worlds as revealed in the thought and belief of thinkers and artists from ancient to modern times. He argues that the increasing dominance of the left hemisphere in today’s world has potentially disastrous consequences.
Are we experiencing the death of imagination? What if the global crisis we are experiencing today is not linked to our lack of ethics and morals but rather to our lack of imaginative thinking? What if we are experiencing the death of imagination? Today’s guest, Balder Onarheim, a former military officer turned neuroscientist and innovator, claims that “We have a global crisis in creativity” (creativity is the implementation of imagination). The consequence is our inability to solve our issues through new and improved paradigms. How should we get imagination back then? Balder has some thoughts on that. Prepare to reimagine!
Guest: Balder Onarheim, a former military officer turned neuroscientist with focus on creativity and an innovator. Balder has held TED talks and keynote speeches on the importance of creativity and imagination, in society, business and our daily lives.
Talking points:
•You will hear that We have a global crisis in creativity. Our inability to think in new novel ways reinforces current structures and issues.
•We need to change the discourse from creative and non-creative people. We need to realize all people are creative and creativity is not for struggling artists but a superior tool for social and personal progress.
•We talk about how we need to change our educational system which today stifles creative and lateral thinking.
•From a business perspective, creativity is a risk. Is a risky, messy enterprise to be creative with a high ratio of failure but the bigger risk is not to be creative at all.
Reimagine is a podcast with host Babak Behrad, brought to you by Society Lab.
Reimagine 