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.
