Rube Goldberg was a true NL - engineer, sculptor, inventor, author and cartoonist. In his cartoons, he used gadgets to accomplish basic tasks in convoluted chain-reaction ways. Kinetic artist Joseph Herscher leverages his own nonlinear thinking to design a creative chain-reaction process to carry out a fairly linear way to “Pass the Salt”.
Peter Callesen’s art literally comes right “off the page”. His paper cut sculptures expand into the space surrounding the cuts. The creativity in his works shows how this artist brings his mental models into reality often in intricate ways.
This scientist, screenwriter and author offers a new look at the neuroscience of change and how we can thrive by utilizing our innovative, creative, elastic thinking.
This tale of what inspired Wilbur Wright’s discovery that would get an airplane off the ground is a perfect example of the leaps that are made through associative nonlinear thinking. He linked information about the characteristics of a common unrelated item - that we now often find on our doorstep - with the answer to controlled flight.
NLs need a creative space for their interests. Ivor, engineer, scientist, model airplane designer, furniture maker, kayaker and artist retreats to his workshop where the magic happens. A technique to stimulate nonlinear thinking is variety - in environment, challenges, activities. Variety enables this NL to express his natural curiosity, creativity and imagination.
The future belongs to the person whose mind can survive and thrive with the type of chaos and complexity in today’s world. Importance is placed on talents like design, storytelling and big picture thinking – nonlinear thinking strengths.
