Very interesting to see how such a revered figure did not work magic. He agonized and pained over his work. But I guess that’s the magic in making it look easy.
I remember this reflection he wrote on his own work from the book you mentioned - touches on some of the cognitive dissonance he may have had about his work and industry.
“As a private person, I have a passion for landscape, and I have never seen one improved by a billboard. Where every prospect pleases, man is at his vilest when he erects a billboard. When I retire from Madison Avenue, I am going to start a secret society of masked vigilantes who will travel around the world on silent motor bicycles, chopping down posters at the dark of the moon. How many juries will convict us when we are caught in these acts of beneficent citizenship?”
Very interesting to see how such a revered figure did not work magic. He agonized and pained over his work. But I guess that’s the magic in making it look easy.
What a fantastic letter. Such humility from such an accomplished ad man. Thank you. Shaun, thank you for all your Letters of Note.
God I love this so much!
I remember this reflection he wrote on his own work from the book you mentioned - touches on some of the cognitive dissonance he may have had about his work and industry.
“As a private person, I have a passion for landscape, and I have never seen one improved by a billboard. Where every prospect pleases, man is at his vilest when he erects a billboard. When I retire from Madison Avenue, I am going to start a secret society of masked vigilantes who will travel around the world on silent motor bicycles, chopping down posters at the dark of the moon. How many juries will convict us when we are caught in these acts of beneficent citizenship?”
Was a really good read! thank you for sharing!