The Flexible Mind
Shai Tubali’s Vision of the Flexible Mind
On the solid foundation of three decades as an author, speaker, and developer of self-development methods, and six years of academic research in multicultural philosophy, Shai Tubali distinguishes between two types of mind:
The rigid mind
is characterized by:
01. Attachment to fixed identities, perspectives, and narratives, such as nationalism, politics, or religious dogmas .
02. Inability to adapt, resulting in repetitive behaviors and predictable reactions .
03. A tendency to reject new information, dismiss alternative viewpoints, and resist complexity .
04. Over-reliance on past knowledge and experiences, making it difficult to let go of old ideas .
05. Creation of divisive, “us vs. them” mentalities that exacerbate polarization.
In contrast, the radically flexible mind is characterized by:
01. Freedom from rigid identities, allowing for fluid self-perception and openness to change.
02. The capacity to consider multiple perspectives, fostering deep listening and empathy.
03. An ability to adapt to new situations and information with creativity and innovation.
04. Continuous self-exploration and questioning of established beliefs.
05. 5. A collaborative mindset that embraces complexity and nurtures collective problem-solving.
In Shai’s understanding, the rigid mind is responsible for many of the crises we face today—social division, political polarization, and environmental inaction. But the solution is not just a slight improvement or tweak to our current mindset. What is needed is a radically new model of thought—a quantum leap in cognition. The flexible mind goes beyond resilience or adaptability; it allows individuals and societies to break free from old patterns, overcome deeply entrenched biases, and foster truly innovative solutions to the complex challenges of our time