Originally posted in our September 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter.
In this Hidden Brain episode, psychologist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang explores the science of engagement and what she calls “transcendent thinking.” That is, the ability to connect immediate experiences to larger values and possibilities. Her research makes a compelling case for changing how we think about learning and teaching.
Her findings indicate that when learners adopt this mindset, they develop resilience, identity, and purpose. We would argue that entrepreneurial thinking is a form of transcendent thinking: it applies the same connective power to the problems facing others. It uses those insights to discover how best to meet their needs. It’s a powerful reminder that learning, whether it be in school or at work, is about more than knowledge—it’s about equipping people to transform the world.