Stefan Sagmeister - Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far
Have seen a bit of Stefan Sagmeister lately - his talk at TED and also his appearance in the Helvetica documentary. Haven’t figured out yet whether I love him or hate him, but he’s definitely interesting.
He has a book coming out in March, called Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far, based on a list of maxims made by the graphic designer on his “experimental year” in 2000, where he took time out from working on commercial projects.
The list is reproduced below, and contains some good stuff (although I’ve gotta say 11, 13, and 19 just don’t do it for me, sorry Stefan):
1. Helping other people helps me.
2. Having guts always works out for me.
3. Thinking that life will be better in the future is stupid. I have to live now.
4. Organising a charity group is surprisingly easy.
5. Being not truthful always works against me.
6. Everything I do always comes back to me.
7. Assuming is stifling.
8. Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
9. Over time I get used to everything and start taking for granted.
10. Money does not make me happy.
11. My dreams have no meaning.
12. Keeping a diary supports personal development.
13. Trying to look good limits my life.
14. Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doses.
15. Worrying solves nothing.
16. Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
17. Everybody thinks they are right.
18. If I want to explore a new direction professionally, it is helpful to try it out for myself first.
19. Low expectations are a good strategy.
20. Everybody who is honest is interesting.
Via Creative Review.
