Brutal Simplicity of Thought How It Changed the World
Author: Maurice Saatchi
From Boomerang Books review:
“Simplicity looks easy. It’s not. It’s easier to complicate than simplify. This book presents stunningly simple examples of concepts that have changed the world – from the single piece of paper that became the American Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the most powerful nation in the history of the world, to the symbol and line that enables us to write music. Thought-provoking and incisive, “Brutal Simplicity of Thought” is the distillation, in words and pictures, of the Saatchi method of creativity. Whether you are a student, a manager, self-employed or a CEO, this book has something to teach us all: simplicity rules.”
I don’t usually look or read others’ reviews of books because I like my own opinions. Brutal Simplicity of Thought by Maurice Saatchi held me captive visually and made me wonder if it was another ad agency whodunitfirst and in the simplest manner. It reminded me of Gladwell’s Blink. So I copped the writing of Boomerang Books because it clarified for me the value of the book.
In the forward, Saatchi states:
“If you want your work to achieve the impossible, you will need Brutal Simplicity of Thought”. The message in the shortest words possible. He goes on to show the meaning of his text with pictures and inventions that changed the world. Liberty, Egality, Fraternity changed France by killing the aristocracy. Bicycles changed the lives of women, giving them a way of transportation so that they did not have to wait for men to transport them. Barcodes changed the way we catalogue products. Picasso showed us how to draw like a child. Velcro was discovered by a man walking his dog. William Middlebrook designed the paper clip by changing another man’s idea to make it work. Dictionaries, paper bags in grocery stores, the zipper: all of these ideas changed the way we work and live.
A wonderful book for inciting creativity, I found Brutal Simplicity of Thought cutting edge. What I didn’t like was the idea that the concept applies to work and business. It is far more than that. The book suggests a manner of thinking and applying creative flashes of genius to make mankind better, easier and appreciative of simplicity. Loved it!
Ratings are based on a 5-star scale
Overall: 5
Review by Broad “A” – Ava
We received a copy of this title for our book review. All opinions are our own
Brutal Simplicity of Thought: How It Changed the World
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