Filed under: Comment
I’ve written in the past that I hate how so many in adland dismiss people over the age of 25.
I’ve written how there are many people over a certain age who have achieved more in our industry than most of the modern ‘cool-set’ put together.
I’ve also said how it’s interesting that 2 of the best creative agencies for the past 30 odd years were founded – and run – by people in the 60’s, despite the industry loving to say it’s a ‘young mans game’.
Now as I’ve always said, I’m not anti-young it’s just I don’t think we should be anti-old either.
People should be judged by what they have achieved and achieve which is why I find Wieden so special, because they never devalue age, they purely value creativity … and that’s why I always advise people to never just focus on what’s the shiniest new thing, but to also discover the people who influenced the shiniest new thing, whether they’re alive, dead or just the best kept secret of pragmatism and provocation.
Anyway, the reason for all this is that I recently read about someone who – while not in adland – is a revelation to me.
And he’s 94.
NINETY FOUR.
It’s not just what he has achieved – which is a huge amount – it’s his attitude to life, which if I’m being honest, is far more interesting, forward thinking and, in a twisted-yet-humouress-way, optimistic than I’d expect from a 30 year old, let alone someone 6 years away from a telegram from Her Majesty.
Anyway, I won’t go on … instead, I’ll just leave you with the article that showed you can teach old dogs new tricks, it’s the young pups that are often the problem.
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Said like an old bastard who wants to feel better about that fact.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 30, 2014 @ 6:30 amDon’t ruin my future employment strategy Billy.
Comment by Roberto April 30, 2014 @ 7:47 amYou’re doing a good enough job of that by yourself.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 30, 2014 @ 7:54 amAnd pension boy still looks better than you.
Comment by Billy Whizz April 30, 2014 @ 6:31 amBetter dressed.
Comment by DH April 30, 2014 @ 7:02 amHappier, healthier and more sprightly. God, I’m doomed.
Comment by Roberto April 30, 2014 @ 7:48 amA great article Rob, but James Lovelock’s pragmatism has nothing do with his age, he just has a sharp mind and a desire to still be connected and relevant to the World.
Comment by Pete April 30, 2014 @ 6:43 amIsn’t that what makes him cool? He’s old but still has that mindset?
Comment by DH April 30, 2014 @ 7:02 amThat is a good point but I still think it is a celebration of his mindset rather than his age. I’ve met people who are much younger who are not interested in what is going on around them.
Comment by Pete April 30, 2014 @ 7:43 amFair point Pete … but the general attitude of our industry, of all industries, is that once you hit a certain age [unless you’re a CEO etc] you are out-of-date.
Of course some of the rationale of that is that it means companies can replace you with someone much cheaper … where the experience you have gained is not as valuable to them as the savings the company can make … and all I’m trying to say is that being connected, relevant and pragmatic is less to do with age and more about your attitude to life. Though I accept James Lovelock is a more extreme example of this.
Comment by Roberto April 30, 2014 @ 7:51 amIf he had a look at you Rob, he would say humanity is going to die out a lot sooner.
Comment by DH April 30, 2014 @ 7:03 amI met James Lovelock a year ago. He is a legend. This blog has just upgraded its smarts.
Comment by George April 30, 2014 @ 7:09 amPlayer.
Comment by DH April 30, 2014 @ 7:13 amStalker.
Comment by Bazza April 30, 2014 @ 7:15 amShowoff.
Comment by Roberto April 30, 2014 @ 7:55 amMaybe you should send the last couple of sentences to the nike guys who just killed off fuel band.
Comment by Bazza April 30, 2014 @ 8:20 amOuch
Comment by Northern April 30, 2014 @ 2:56 pmYou know I want to respond to this but can’t. And you know the real reason I can’t as well – you evil sod.
Comment by Rob April 30, 2014 @ 4:51 pmDoes that mean there is now budget for NIke cars?
Comment by northern April 30, 2014 @ 5:49 pmNo … but I’ll try and get them to rename themselves Bike. It’s a start …
Comment by Rob April 30, 2014 @ 7:25 pmVery droll
Comment by northern April 30, 2014 @ 7:31 pmWell, as Baz points out, they’ve rejected the LIke option.
Comment by John April 30, 2014 @ 7:33 pm“On Your” replaces “Just Do It.”
Comment by John April 30, 2014 @ 7:36 pm