Philippe Starck: Design and destiny

Summary

In this introspective monologue, the speaker reflects on their insecurities, the futility of their work, and the broader human story. They critique cynical and narcissistic design, advocating for designs that prioritize human impact and the result over aesthetics. The speaker explores humanity's evolutionary journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding our place in the world. They argue that each generation must contribute to the ongoing story of human progress, but that design, art, and beauty are secondary to the urgent need for action in times of societal crisis. Ultimately, they call for future generations to invent new stories and possibilities for civilization.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker feels out of place and uncomfortable, likening the situation to being an impostor at an opera where they are forced to perform.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes 'cynical design', which is focused only on marketing and selling products, making them 'sexy' but ultimately meaningless.
• 😀 The speaker contrasts 'cynical design' with 'narcissistic design', which is created only for other designers, without concern for the end user.
• 😀 The speaker’s approach to design is to focus not on the object itself, but on its effect and the person who will use it.
• 😀 The process of designing something, like a toothbrush, requires considering the life and environment of the person using it.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that humanity’s evolution is part of a larger, ongoing story that spans four billion years, with much more to come.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the transition from simple organisms like bacteria to modern humans, stressing that humanity is only halfway through its evolutionary story.
• 😀 The concept of 'mutation' is central to the speaker’s worldview, suggesting that every generation of humans is part of a long process of change and development.
• 😀 The speaker urges people to 'raise their angle of vision' to see beyond their immediate needs and help others, emphasizing that intelligence and insight come from broadening one's perspective.
• 😀 The speaker warns against falling into 'traps' like excessive focus on the vertical (God) or looking too inward (schizophrenia), suggesting that one must focus outward and adapt to societal changes.
• 😀 The speaker believes that design and art are secondary to more urgent societal needs, especially during times of crisis, and that action, radical thinking, and political engagement become necessary when civilization faces decline.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main feeling about their work as a designer?

The speaker expresses a feeling of uselessness and discomfort about their job as a designer. They often question the value of their work, especially after hearing from others who have achieved great things.

How does the speaker differentiate between different types of design?

The speaker distinguishes three types of design: cynical design, narcissistic design, and their own approach. Cynical design is about marketing and selling products by making them aesthetically appealing. Narcissistic design is for other designers, focusing on impressing peers. The speaker’s design philosophy centers on creating for the user and focusing on the result and impact on humanity.

What does the speaker mean by 'cynical design'?

Cynical design refers to designs created purely for marketing purposes, aiming to make products look attractive to increase sales, regardless of the product's true value or functionality. The speaker criticizes this approach as superficial and ultimately unhelpful.

What is the significance of 'the big image' in the speaker’s view?

The 'big image' represents the broader, interconnected story of human existence, evolution, and progress. It includes our poetic and romantic journey through history, from the earliest life forms to the present day, and emphasizes our ongoing mutation and development as a species.

How does the speaker describe human evolution?

The speaker describes human evolution as a long and fascinating journey, starting from simple bacteria to becoming complex beings capable of using technology. They emphasize that we are only halfway through this story, with much more to come, and suggest that we, as humans, are still evolving.

What does the speaker believe is the most important aspect of being a 'good mutant'?

The speaker stresses the importance of having a 'duty of vision,' which means maintaining an elevated perspective to see beyond immediate concerns and understand the larger societal and evolutionary picture. This vision helps individuals contribute meaningfully to civilization.

What is the danger of focusing too much on the vertical (e.g., looking at God or the past)?

The speaker warns that focusing on the vertical—looking for answers in God or dwelling too much on the past—can be limiting and detrimental. It may prevent individuals from engaging with the present and future, hindering progress and the necessary evolution of thought.

How does the speaker relate intelligence to the angle of vision?

The speaker suggests that intelligence is linked to the ability to raise one's angle of vision beyond personal survival and immediate concerns, to a broader societal and evolutionary perspective. The higher one can raise their vision, the more they can contribute to society and civilization.

What role does 'light' and 'shadow' play in the speaker's understanding of civilization's evolution?

The speaker uses 'light' to symbolize civilization and progress, while 'shadow' represents barbarism and regression. They note that civilization's evolution is a mix of both, with periods of progress (light) and setbacks (shadow), and that understanding where we are in this cycle is crucial for the future.

What does the speaker hope future generations will do with the legacy of current civilization?

The speaker hopes that future generations will build upon the work of those who came before them, using the knowledge and tools available to them to invent a new story and create a new poetry for humanity. They emphasize the importance of not having preconceived ideas about the future, but rather allowing new possibilities to emerge.