Full Interview: Gregory Berns on Iconoclasts
Original Photo by Papertygre
This morning, I interviewed Gregory Berns, who is Distinguished Chair of Neuroeconomics at Emory University, about his new book, Iconoclast: A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently. In it, he talks about the different ways iconoclasts (which for this book, he defines as someone “who does something that others say can’t be done”) perceive, and what tools they need to be successful in bringing about their new ideas. He’s also got thoughts about how you and I can nourish our own ability to innovate….and who couldn’t use a little of that?
We’re airing a shortened version of this conversation on the next episode of Spark, but you can listen to the entire talk below, or you can download the MP3.
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December 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
Learning how to take multiple simultaneous perspectives can help you achieve what is termed ‘Iconoclast’ behaviour.
Perceiving the same thing from multiple perspectives avoids habitual mental habits and dumping observations in the same bucket or generalizing.
Artists and actors, among others do this naturally or hone this skill over time.
I use the concept of Persona masks to force different perspectives but this is also possible with different meditation techniques–Vipasana, Budhist, Sufi, Orthodox Christian and others.
Cheers,
Nick
December 6th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
how about a transcript for us deaf folks?
December 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am
@aya
I would love to get transcripts. I hope it’s something we can work on in the new year.