Writer’s Quote Wednesday #9

Photos, Quotes, , , , 21 Comments

When a few days ago, when my husband and I shot new street graffiti in Amsterdam, he found this gem. I am using it as my weekly quote, which is authored by Paul Arden,  at his book It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be. 

Food for thought?

Here is an extract of his book to illustrate his thinking:

“Being right is based upon knowledge and experience and is often provable. Knowledge comes from the past, so it’s safe. It is also out of date. It’s the opposite of originality. Experience is built from solutions to old situations and problems.

The old situations are probably different from the present ones, so that old solutions will have to be bent to fit new problems (and possibly fit badly). Also the likelihood is that, if you’ve got the experience, you’ll probably use it. This is lazy.

Experience is the opposite of being creative. If you can prove you’re right you’re set in concrete. You cannot move with the times or with other people. Being right is also being boring. Your mind is closed. You are not open to new ideas.

You are rooted in your own rightness, which is arrogant. Arrogance is a valuable tool, but only if used very sparingly. Worst of all, being right has a tone of morality about it. To be anything else sounds weak or fallible, and people who are right would hate to be thought fallible.

So: it’s wrong to be right, because people who are right are rooted in the past, rigid-minded, dull and smug. There’s no talking to them.”

About the author

Paul Arden (7 April 1940 – 2 April 2008) was an influential author of several books on advertising and motivation including “Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite” and “It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be” and a former creative director for Saatchi and Saatchi at the height of their advertising might.
In 1987 Arden was appointed executive creative director. He has spent 14 years with the agency, handling accounts of British Airways, Anchor Butter, Toyota, Ryvita, Nivea, Trust House Forte, Alexon Group and Fuji among others. His British Airways campaigns continue to be remembered as one of the greatest advertising campaigns of all time, changing the fortunes of the airline.
“Arden was the ringmaster behind the whole creative circus that saw British Airways become ‘The World’s Favourite Airline’, The Independent become the new intelligentsia’s favourite newspaper, Margaret Thatcher the nation’s favourite leader and Silk Cut their favourite fag.” Dave Trott, The Independent
“Tempestuous advertising director who thought up memorable campaigns for Silk Cut, BA and The Independent” Times Online.

 

This post is for Silver Threading Writer’s Quote Wednesday Event. 

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Sharing sights & insights captured with diverse angles. Ex-corporate, now my own boss. Cycling, hiking, cooking, reading, yoga, writing and photography, are no longer only hobbies listed on my resume. It's what I do when I want.

21 thoughts on “Writer’s Quote Wednesday #9”

  1. This is a great quote and excerpt. Thanks for posting it! Although I do think experience has its place, it shouldn’t be clung to as “being right.” Change, moving forward, and solving a problems require creativity and new thought.

    Liked by 3 people

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  5. And I just started to like the fact that I have gained some life experience lol. No matter if you agree with him or not: It’s certainly food for thought and makes you think for yourself. And that is always a good thing. Thanks for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Lol. Life experience is good and thinking for ourselves is even better! As long as it’s not all we know and use to resolve new issues, isn’t it?
      Glad you liked it!!
      Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Appreciated it!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. You are very welcome. I think that is right: Experience and thinking outside the box needs to be in balance or more used at the right times.

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  7. Utterly fantastic! I read twice in order to let his message sink in… Thanks for posting this and great street art you found too!

    Like

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  10. Rules are for bending/breaking however to do this one must know the rules. It was a little for intense for an old lady who is tired however, I agree with the originality, the creativity. I also think experience and rules apply – and in general life those last two are more important. Have never been found of anarchy myself – it’s the ability to let go when one needs to, to innovate, think sideways, adapt and change that is also important

    thought provoking and splendid:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Pingback: Writer’s Quote Wednesday Weekly Wrap-Up From 3/4/15 | Silver Threading

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