David Allen speaks with Jerry Michalski, an early adopter of TheBrain software and expert in information management. Jerry shares how TheBrain facilitates a shift from fast to slow thinking, promoting deeper insights. He argues for a transformative shift from consumerism to active citizenship, emphasizing trust-based systems that enhance community and creativity. They discuss the historical narratives of societies like the Netherlands and their influence on modern culture, highlighting the importance of fostering trust and collaboration in tackling societal challenges.
TheBrain is a valuable software tool that facilitates system 2 thinking and enables users to capture and represent connections between thoughts.
Designing systems based on trust and collaboration can lead to better results, rebuild communities, and unleash individual genius.
Deep dives
The Brain: A Unique Software for Managing Information
In this podcast episode, Jerry Kauska and the host discuss the brain, a piece of software that serves as a mind mapping and bookmark management tool. Jerry shares how he came across the brain during his search for a better way to manage bookmarks and found it to be a perfect fit for his thought processes. He's been using the brain for 24 years and has accumulated almost half a million thoughts and nearly a million links within the software. They highlight the visual and intuitive nature of the brain, emphasizing its ability to capture and represent connections between thoughts. Despite its low mainstream adoption, the brain offers a unique and valuable approach to organizing and processing information that supports creative thinking and exploration.
Thinking in Public and Open Global Mind
The conversation also delves into the importance of thinking in public and the need for open-mindedness and collaboration in addressing global issues. The host and Jerry discuss the challenges of facilitating difficult conversations and building trust in online spaces. They emphasize the value of sharing information and experiences among different communities to gather insights and solutions for common problems. Jerry highlights the significance of history in understanding the present and making informed decisions, referencing various history books that have shaped his perspectives. They both express optimism about the current moment of reflection and rethinking, recognizing the opportunity for individuals, communities, and global society to come together, share knowledge, and work towards positive change.
The Battle of New Narratives and Designing from Trust
Another key theme of the podcast is the power of narratives in shaping societies and the urgent need to rethink existing narratives that propagate division, fear, and learned helplessness. Jerry identifies the battle between different narratives as a recurring force in human history and stresses the importance of critical thinking and civic engagement. They discuss the concept of designing from trust, exemplified by the success of platforms like Wikipedia that rely on trust in their users' contributions. They explore the potential of designing systems and institutions that prioritize trust and collaboration, enabling individuals to take responsibility and actively participate in shared endeavors. They also touch upon the need for educational systems to embrace trust-based learning to foster creativity, exploration, and knowledge-sharing among students.
The Dutch Golden Age and Global Collaboration
The conversation takes an interesting turn towards discussing the Dutch Golden Age and Amsterdam's historical significance as a hub of global trade and cultural integration. They highlight the Dutch mindset of integration, diversity, and curiosity, which contributed to Amsterdam's prosperity and openness. Jerry and the host explore the potential of other communities worldwide to replicate the Dutch model by sharing their successful solutions and practices. They express enthusiasm about creating platforms and tools that connect diverse communities, encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and foster collaboration on a global scale. Both recognize the importance of history in contextualizing current challenges and drawing inspiration from past achievements to shape a better future.
David Allen talks with Jerry Michalski, for a look inside Jerry's brain, as documented by his extensive use of TheBrain. Over the years you may have heard David talk about his use of TheBrain. Jerry is one of the earliest adopters, and has tracked an astounding number of ideas and their interconnections. By using TheBrain, Jerry says it shifts him from system 1 thinking (fast) to system 2 thinking (slow). He describes the need for a fundamental shift from thinking of ourselves as consumers to thinking of ourselves as citizens. He also talks about the importance of designing systems that start from trust, which get better results that cost less and have terrific side effects, like rebuilding community and releasing our inherent genius.
You can listen to the entire conversation from February 2022 at GTD Connect®.
--
This audio is one of many available at GTD Connect, a learning space and community hub for all things GTD. Join GTD practitioners from around the world in learning, sharing, and developing the skills for stress-free productivity.
Knowing how to get the right things done is a key to success. It’s easy to get distracted and overwhelmed. Stay focused and increase productivity with GTD Connect—a subscription-based online learning center from the David Allen Company. GTD Connect gives you access to a wealth of multimedia content designed to help you stay on track and deepen your awareness of principles you can also learn in GTD courses, coaching, and by reading the Getting Things Done book. You’ll also get the support and encouragement of a thriving global community of people you won’t find anywhere else.
If you already know you’d like to join, click here to choose from monthly or annual options.
If you’d like to try GTD Connect free for 14 days, read on for what’s included and how to get your free trial.
During your 14-day free trial, you will have access to:
Recorded webinars with David Allen & the certified coaches and trainers on a wide range of productivity topics
GTD Getting Started & Refresher Series to reinforce the fundamentals you may have learned in a GTD course, coaching, or book
Extensive audio, video, and document library
Slice of GTD Life series to see how others are making GTD stick
David Allen’s exclusive interviews with people in his network all over the world
Lively members-only discussion forums sharing ideas, tips, and tricks
Note: GTD Connect is designed to reinforce your learning, and we also recommend that you take a course, get individual coaching, or read the Getting Things Done book.
