Is a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind?

Albert Einstein famously pointed out that “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” Thomas Edison, who had a famously messy desk, must have agreed.

What does a messy desk mean?

A messy desk tends to indicate that the person is busy and that is why they have not cleaned up their desk. The desk pictures also showed that a messy desk indicates that the person is busy and that is why they have not cleaned up their desk. Messy people tend to get bored easily and need to be stimulated.

What does a clean desk mean?

A clean desk policy (CDP) is a corporate directive that specifies how employees should leave their working space when they leave the office. Most CDPs require employees to clear their desks of all papers at the end of the day.

How does clutter affect the mind?

But research shows disorganisation and clutter have a cumulative effect on our brains. Our brains like order, and constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources, reducing our ability to focus. The visual distraction of clutter increases cognitive overload and can reduce our working memory.

Why is my desk always cluttered?

​It really boils down to your level of personal comfort. Keeping your desk messy or tidy could just reflect a difference in personality. “A person with a messy work space may just be very busy and engaged with their work and a little less so with cleaning their office,” Dr. Bea says.

Why you should have a messy desk?

Calibrating Creativity and Efficiency When you’re generating ideas and concepts, it could help to have a messier desk. However, when you’re trying to be productive, getting a specific task accomplished, or simply need to execute on a creative concept, cleaning your desk can “trade in” your creativity for efficiency.

Why is my mind cluttered?

For many people mind clutter comes from holding onto the past, or fixating on things that are beyond their control. Whether it’s obsessing over mistakes you’ve made in the past, or getting weighed down by what others think of you, it’s important to learn how to let go of the things you cannot change.

Is an empty desk a sign of a cluttered mind?

Einstein: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?”. Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Mark Twain. Rather than leaving a desk in a state of constant messiness, it can be helpful to modify the environment as it suits our needs.

What did Albert Einstein say about a cluttered desk?

In 2006 Albert Einstein received credit for the saying in the pages of “The New York Times”: 11 …Einstein’s oft-quoted remark, “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk?” In conclusion, the ascription to Albert Einstein is unsupported.

What does an empty desk indicate?

“Empty desk, empty mind,” said Purbright, politely. In April 1955 the “Chicago Tribune” printed an instance of the quip with an acknowledgment to “The Wildrooter” periodical. This was the earliest close match known to QI: 6 If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, we can’t help wondering what an empty desk indicates.

Do you have clutter on your desks?

Important executives make it a point of pride never to have any clutter on their desks. Finally, the desk is immaculate. It is free of clutter as a bald head. Yet, Twill thought that the cleanliness advice was inherently flawed: