Anthony Burrill's famous poster
I’ve been thinking lately about this “mantra” trend that has been popping up in design. Especially after Sagmeister, everyone seems to want their life truths and beliefs to be snappy one-liners.
While this is undeniably sexy and produces simple, beautiful graphics, I wonder if it really changes anything about peoples’ behavior.
In the past, I’ve found that I’ve been paralyzed by instructions that are too nebulous. Example: You should conserve resources. Yes, it would be phenomenal to save the planet, but on the other hand—how can I do all of these things that I am not doing? How am I going to sacrifice all that I’ve come to live with for the well-being of the world?
Many psychologists suggest that breaking down seemingly unachievable goals into small steps is much more manageable than hitting your head against a problem. Want people to vote? Tell them how to register, where they can cast their ballots, and how they can start getting informed about candidates. Want people to save energy? Tell them they can start by changing their lightbulbs out, or turn their thermostats down two degrees. Want people to be happier? Tell them to step back and think about whether or not they are assuming something about the situation. Tell them to take a break and go for a walk. Tell them not to overload themselves.
These mantras certainly have the benefit of being ambiguous and allowing people to find their own way of living core convictions. That fact is definitely a plus when speaking to such subjective things as attaining happiness or being likable. However, I wonder how much they actually change peoples’ lives besides merely making their viewers feel proactive for having made the choice to put the piece on their wall…
2 Comments
Maybe Plato’s right about the different types of people that are out there … those who just live their lives and those who know there’s more out there (he calls them philosophers) … those who are able to see beyond the clouds and go up higher on their chariots.
I think it’s an issue of self-motion … beginning with the question of capability (remember the broccoli that has feelings?). What moves a person/soul? We learned that (1) there are materialistic incentives, such as money, rewards, etc (2) the mind and the awareness of own’s own existence and perspective, such as for personal growth and accomplishment (3) the situation, with intent of the involved individual(s), lead to action (4) love for mankind and others; something outside ourselves, such as duty towards a Creator.
I’ve been playing around with the idea of “motion” outside the context of a stimulus & reaction model.
As your title suggests, one way is to break it down for people. Another way may be to scope it up … getting people aligned to a greater vision. The Obama campaign, at least, has the perception that things are aligning.
Yes, motion is a pretty interesting thing to think about…I’ve been hitting my head on things trying to conceive of how to inspire people to move themselves, rather than be moved. I don’t know if it’s a matter of character, but I’d rather not believe that some people are incapable of passion.
I’ve never wanted to believe in holding anybody’s hand, and I truly want to believe these “mantras” are making a difference in peoples’ lives, but I simply don’t know.
They’re…just so pretty! but sometimes, it’s not enough for those who aren’t completely self-driven.
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