ignore everybody, by hugh macleod



Every pithy page brought from my new very favorite book by Hugh MacLeod brought on a yes!. McLeod is a foul-mouthed, illuminated advertising pro, who writes about marketing, meaningful living, and in his own way ... love. He is pulled forward by his thrill of "creative sovereignty." And he's one pragmatic, sweet curmudgeon. I'm in love.

Each one of his 39 Keys to Creativity is a sutra of street-wise insight. Here are my favorite gems:

: Question how much freedom your path affords you. Be utterly ruthless about it. It's your freedom that will get you where you want to go.

: So now corporations are awash with nonautonomous thinkers.
"I don't know. What do you think?"
"I don't know. What do you think?"
"I don't know. What do you think?"
"I don't know. What do you think?"

And so on.
Creating an economically viable entity where lack of original thought is handsomely rewarded creates a rich, fertile environment for parasites to breed.

: As the artist gets more into her thing, and as she gets more successful, the number of tools tends to go down. She knows what works for her.

: Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.

: The only people who can change the world are people who want to. And not everybody does.

: Anyone can be an idealist. Anyone can be a cynic. The hard part lies somewhere in the middle -- that is, being human.

Sprinkled with MacLeod's now-legendary back-of-business card cartoons, Ignore Everybody manages to be both raunchy and lovely, sardonic and warm. MacLeod's found that essential humanity that makes all the difference.
Go get it.

Hugh MacLeod's blog: GapingVoid.com


Possibly Related Posts:

posted 18 Jun 09 in: creativity + art + design articles, read good stuff   ·   tags: ,   ·   10 comments

• Follow Danielle on Twitter • Follow Danielle on Facebook

10 comments so far. add your own.

 

An excellent review, befitting Hugh. Nicely done!


Randi Buckley
18 Jun 09
 
Reply
 

I am really feeling the quote, "The only people who can change the world are people who want to. And not everybody does." This is so truth!


Marcy Webb
18 Jun 09
 
Reply
 

What a difference when someone writes a smart review from the heart, gut and soul. I'm going to check out the book after I submit this. Loved this line:

Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.

One to paste above the computer, I think.


janice
19 Jun 09
 
Reply
 

Thanks for the referral. I'm definitely going to check out both the book and the blog. :o))


Carolynn
19 Jun 09
 
Reply
 

I recently looked through his book and website (www.gapingvoid.com) and found both hilariously on point.


Ty
19 Jun 09
 
Reply
     

    yes - his blog is great. ugly and utilitarian, but it goes to show that when you have great content - the brilliance carries itself.


    Danielle LaPorte
    19 Jun 09
     
    Reply
 

I saw the book on Seth's blog last week and immediately bought it - pithy, rude and incredibly insightful. I do have to be careful to avoid beverages while reading, so's not to spray when I burst out laughing at one of his cartoons. Two of my favorite chapters, "Don't try to stand out from the crowd; avoid crowds altogether." and "Savor obscurity while it lasts."


Kathy VK
19 Jun 09
 
Reply
 

I always told my kids: You are just ten minutes gossip in someone else's life, so be your own person. I think with the warp speed of our age, it's more like you are ten seconds gossip in someone else's life!!!!


Connie Klein
19 Jun 09
 
Reply
     

    re: ten minutes gossip in someone else's life so be your own person. What a great -- and true -- way to put it. Ditto to the new ten seconds time table.


    Emily-Sarah
    20 Jun 09
     
    Reply
 

Love Hugh! Didn't realize he had a blog. I feel all fat and happy now.


Sarah Bray
19 Jun 09
 
Reply

share your truth + opinions