Insights
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."
Quote by Albert Einstein
Linear versus divergent thinking in gifted people
Birigt Wegerich-Bauer:
Based on my observations in my work and in my interactions with highly gifted people, two distinct types of thinking stand out. Some think linearly—“higher, faster, farther”—while others think divergently—“higher, faster, far too far away.”
While the social environment can connect with the linear “higher, faster, farther” thinking of the linear-thinking gifted person and follow their clear, logical, comprehensible thoughts, the divergent thinker is too far removed—in their thoughts, arguments and ideas—for most people around them. Their mental connections and associations lie outside familiar patterns of thought and often cannot be understood by outsiders.
Brain Research
Prof. Dr. Gerald Hüther emphasizes that people often lose their creative potential because they are born into rigid structures and trapped in hierarchies.
In this video, Prof. Dr. Gerald Hüther explains the principle our brain operates by, how we become entangled in existing structures from birth, and what is necessary to free ourselves from them.
He calls on companies to create an environment in which employees can discover and develop their potential.
Imagos - Beginning of Transformation
Reza Razavi opened my eyes with his book "The Magic of Transformation" and gave me the answers I had been searching for.
Imago cells are the origin of the transformation process, which can unlock the potential of an individual, organization or society through profound change by dissolving rigid patterns of thought and structures to make room for something new. This magic emerges when we embrace the natural dynamics of change, driven by creativity, systems thinking and divergent thinking.
Focused Perception - Focused on What?
“The Divided Brain” by Iain McGilchrist explains how the two hemispheres of the brain—the left and the right—work differently and enable different perceptions of the world.
The left hemisphere is analytical, logical, detail-oriented and focused on isolated information. It sees the world in terms of concepts, categories and structures. The right hemisphere, by contrast, is more holistic, recognizes connections, considers the bigger picture and is more responsible for creative, emotional and intuitive processes.
Iain McGilchrist argues that modern Western society overemphasizes the abilities of the left hemisphere and has thereby developed an unbalanced view of the world. He warns that this leads to a mechanistic, inflexible and superficial world, while the deeper, more meaningful perception of the right hemisphere is neglected. For a balanced life and a healthy society, it is important to use both hemispheres of the brain in balance.
*Image source: https://karrierebibel.de/komfortzone-verlassen/
4-Phase Growth Model*
We owe routine—and with it, control and security in every area of life—to familiar and prevailing linear thinking.
Truly new things, however, can develop only in the growth zone; everything else is merely optimization of what already exists.
Could it be that:
- Comfort zone = linear thinking?
- Growth zone = divergent thinking?
Future Skill: Lateral Thinking
Why do some people find creative solutions while others do not? Why do we think the way we think? This video clearly illustrates how we can develop ideas to master our future.
