Global Moxie

I just watched a charming 15-minute talk by designer Stefan Sagmeister (probably best known for his album cover designs), who along the way shared a list from his diary of “things I have learned in my life so far.”

Me, I’ve only learned a few of these lessons so far. Still working on the rest. But for anyone working to craft a happy and creative existence (and who isn’t?), this seems like a good list to crib from:

• Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
• Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid, I have to live now.
• Being not truthful works against me.
• Helping other people helps me.
• Organizing a charity group is surprisingly easy.
• Everything I do always comes back to me.
• Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
• Over time I get used to everything and start taking it for granted.
• Money does not make me happy.
• Traveling alone is helpful for a new perspective on life.
• Assuming is stifling.
• Keeping a diary supports my personal development.
• Trying to look good limits my life.
• Worrying solves nothing.
• Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doeses.
• Having guts always works out for me.

Art Grandeur Nature, Stefan Sagmeister, 2004.

The designer has incorporated some of his list into a series titled “Things I have learned in my life so far.” It’s a literal example of incorporating your worldview into your work, nice. Some examples:

• “Complaining is silly. Either act or forget” (a Lisbon billboard whose text fades away)
• “Being not truthful works against me” (an interactive installation)
• “Trying to look good limits my life” (series of billboards)

My wife Ellen had the chance to work oh-so-briefly with Stefan as a client about 10 years ago back in New York. Bright guy, this one.

Tags: art, design, life, manifesto, sagmeister