The group has expanded. It now includes Steve Landsberg and maybe one or two others I'm not at the moment remembering.
We can do things our way. Even if they cut against the grain.
We can say prove it. When someone repeats an unproven homily or claim.
We can say no. When someone demands yes.
We can be human in a world increasing built by and for machines.
About 91-percent of my texts come from this group. They are always good for a bon mot, a joke, a bit of outrage, or a word or two of encouragement.
I sent the Mad Magazine article below to my buddies and got from alumni of DDB when it was still great, this note back:
I think Grace's line is much more than a thoughtful appraisal or a dour summation of the state of affairs. I think it's a push not to dwell on alleged "golden ages." Instead, try to do what the greatest boxer of all time, Joe Louis, did.
When asked to sum up his life, Louis said, "I did the best I could with what I have."
We can lament our current times. We can long for times past. But the best we can do really is express what I call the three types of loyalty in our work.
I think Grace's line is much more than a thoughtful appraisal or a dour summation of the state of affairs. I think it's a push not to dwell on alleged "golden ages." Instead, try to do what the greatest boxer of all time, Joe Louis, did.
When asked to sum up his life, Louis said, "I did the best I could with what I have."
We can lament our current times. We can long for times past. But the best we can do really is express what I call the three types of loyalty in our work.
1. Our loyalty to our clients. Are we doing not what they ask for but what they need.
2. Our loyalty to our craft and profession. Are we using our brains, imagination, tools and ardor to do good work?
3. Our loyalty to our selves. Are we doing things we like and believe in.
3. Our loyalty to our selves. Are we doing things we like and believe in.
Things suck.
They always have and always will.
We don't have to.
We can do things our way. Even if they cut against the grain.
We can say prove it. When someone repeats an unproven homily or claim.
We can say no. When someone demands yes.
We can be human in a world increasing built by and for machines.
Someday we'll look back on these good old days.
They ain't so good.
But they're the best we have.
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