Kismet Arts Tangent

The Age of the Infovore .Succeeding in the Information Economy By Cowen, Tyler (Book – 2010)

Summary: Tyler Cowen makes his case about how “nerds” rule the world… at least the world of information technology. He discusses the particular “neurodiverse” tendencies of people with Asperger’s and notes the famous scientists and authors in history with this mild form of autism. This syndrome gives the autist more focus and visual skills in a way so advantageous, they will be the leaders of the future of rapidly evolving technology.

Review: Cowen talks about Buddhist’s meditative powers to alter their neuro-structures and about Holmes’ brilliant deductive skills but poor social skills. This book, though short and not very technical, describes a world where people who think differently have the advantage. I take my mental world (as Cowen puts it, interiority) very seriously. Cowen asserts that in times of economic struggle, people turn inward, investing in themselves through self-education and inexpensive entertainment like books and the Internet. I espouse Louis Pasteur’s saying “fortune favors the prepared mind.” Technology is changing the way we interact (less in person real-time conversations) emboldening Aspies to express their ideas and connect with people in new ways.

Rating: 6 atonal pieces of music that appeal to a special set of aesthetics

Favorite part: “Truly good IM conversations are like overlapping polyphonies, with swells and peaks, breaks and moments of great intensity and also humor…. It’s a cross between the emotional tie of the mambo and the intellectual connection of rapid-fire debate. It’s a new canvas on which to paint stories of friendship and sharing.” P.70

Wine-pairing: Wednesday Is Indigo Blue: Discovering the Brain of Synesthesia By Cytowic, Richard E. (Book – 2009). We need to embrace and exploit the strange way our brains twist and make associations. What do you see in your mind’s eye when you think of a calendar or when you’re counting? Do you hear your mind’s voice or see tickertape with numbers? What colors are those numbers?