Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far

Not me!
That’s the title of Stefan Sagmeister’s new book. And judging by Stefan’s list of 20 maxims we should all have something to learn from his life.

Taken from Creative Review “The book is 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. While the maxims read as a mixture of wise pragmatism with philosophical reflection, they quickly became incorporated into projects for clients when Sagmeister’s office reopened, and it is 20 of these projects that form the book.”
Sagmeister’s full list of 20 maxims are as follows:
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.
That’s 20 to live by!
The book is not available until march. But it should be worth buying.
My last contact with Stefan was when I was reading the book ‘How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer‘ by Debbie Millman( I do recommend this book ) and Stefan definitely seems like a character.
If you don’t know Mr Sagmeister, then why not take a couple of minutes and watch his performance in 2004 at TED: