Rory Sutherland: Life lessons from an ad man

[daddyleon]

lol, The potato 'prohibition' time ;-P

[Tome4kkkk]

Fact 1 A great and informative lecture.

Fact 2 Shows what a whore-business advertising is.

[fucketaboutit]

ted evil is needed now!

why don't we have it yet?

ted evil!!!

ted maddafaffen EVIL!!!!!

[austpom333]

I don't take the very smallest notice of any advertising at all - i was brought up that way

[andymckee53]

@austpom333

What do you eat for breakfast?

[austpom333]

@andymckee53 Weet bix - because i like the taste, are you saying i eat weeatbix because of advertising - or like the taste because of advertising ?

[andymckee53]

@austpom333

Neither. But how did you first get to taste Weet bix and what have you ever compared it to?

Your definition of advertising is much to narrow by the way. Advertising is everything to do with a product. Marketing is the generally used broader term.

Anyway if you don't take any notice of advertising then what are you doing watching a YouTube vid talking about it for??

[MrAlexultahan]

Rory Sutherland is without doubt the greatest rhetoric I've come across. He uses powerpoint slides particularly effectively; I've witnessed the decimation of many presentations all because of jam-packed, unnecessary, and distracting slides.

[bley2929]

LOLOLOL!!! ... "A bunch of you may be a load of pinkos, and you may not like the Coca-Cola company."

[dilsanikasuni]

Narrow Naughty girls and ladies here benaughtyman.info

[Remindor]

He is awesome and hilarious.

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

I have quite a bit of trouble taking life lessons from a man who obviously can't even manage his own calorie intake.

[RadiatorBoy]

@MomoTheBellyDancer Lessons, not eating advice. Buddha is fat, people still seek him for guidance.

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

@RadiatorBoy

"Buddha is fat"

Buddha was not fat.

"people still seek him for guidance."

How? The man is dead.

[crudhousefull]

@MomoTheBellyDancer Are you seriously a belly dancer?

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

@crudhousefull

"Are you seriously a belly dancer?"

I'm way too scrawny for that. So the name's a joke. Really.

[crudhousefull]

@MomoTheBellyDancer I've been to Egypt. Belly dancers are crazy good. Anyway...good luck in your journey

[sonerasona]

@MomoTheBellyDancer why do you assume he can't manage it? not everyone lives a shallow existence. if chooses to not care about being a little overweight, it's his choice. great talk!!

[MomoTheBellyDancer]

@sonerasona

"why do you assume he can't manage it?"

Because he's fat.

[ohthelovelypoems]

@MomoTheBellyDancer You are absolutely ridiculous..bet in a past life you sat in the Roman forum and put the thumbs down for every audience choice made. Get off your skinny-ass pedestal and quit your stereotyping. Twas a great talk!

[CetraTJ]

I could listen to that guy all day, brilliant!

[098anne]

Great stuff!

[Bibbly53]

Shreddies: "A crafty way of rewarding loyalty to the crown."

[givemeabreakman]

amongst the (more recent) useless TED talks, this is pure gold.

It seem ted not invites any tree hugger/i have a plan to save the world--doesnt' matter how ridiculously stupid/ignorant/ugly.

Go back to having TED talks with people who matter. The Idiot with the "HOMES FROM MEAT" should be placed up against a wall and shot in the face...twice.

[leparditas]

@givemeabreakman yeah

[antuntun]

this guy reminds me of the professor Claudio Vignali from Leeds Metropolitan - has a very similar presentation style and also very interesting lectures!

[helimax]

How could you dislike this talk..........

[praestantia1]

Fascinating. Marketing IS Phsychology.

[jackmosley06]

this video is gold

[businesstrategy]

Rory Sutherland is an inspiration! He is constantly challenging the status quo, a quality that keeps him at the top of his game. Found another really great interview with Rory by Meet the Boss TV, definately worth checking out

[florencelovme]

"which one?"

"the first one"

LOL!

[florencelovme]

when illusion becomes conviencing

[Talixaen]

I love this. The shreddies thing is hilarious, and he raises some good points. Don't hate advertisers, or this guy, just because of his somewhat-silly sounding ideas. It's just a different way of thinking.

[loucious22]

I love shreddies lol

[BECK26x]

I enjoyed that I like stuff that analyzes human nature the part about the wine was cool "there is no correlation between quality and enjoyment" only when you tell them how expensive the wine is

[shiftyjake]

Why are you guys so down on this guy? He makes a lot of good points about how to shift values away from the material and closer to the emotional, spiritual and ethical. And that train business? Why make a crappy trip shorter when you could make a long trip enjoyable for less money? The models were a joke, but the reasoning still stands.

[670Kiester]

His opening statement re the train made me want to smash his face in, alot. A really lot.

Nothing to to with feminism or anything, but because he's one of those sleazy marketting assholes. Edward Bernays should have been executed imo

Parts were funny though, so can Satan be, I suppose.

[Roddydoddy]

I think the phrase "want to smash his face in" is rather more offensive than anything on the film, no?

[670Kiester]

Yes a bit too aggressive, I just loathe marketers.

[omegavalerius]

Of course you can't put a space telescope in orbit with an placebo education. For marketing (and I have by BBA in marketing) it works.

I couldn't have agreed more about the train stuff though!

[KGPProductions]

For the anti-advertisers... I'm a marketer. I volunteer with non-profit organizations, including one for arts that, among other things, helps at-risk youth. By getting the information out and selling the firm, I am helping to bring down the crime rate, enhance the futures of individuals and enrich their lives. Marketing isn't inherently evil. And more importantly, everything is marketing; there's no real distinction. Even the posts against marketing are their own form of marketing.

[dingusmungus]

8:29 a subliminal coke ad flashes... smooth.

[Chameleam]

@dingusmungus

i think that he had a picture of the logo up on the screen, and they tried to edit it into the video but it just fucked up a little.

[henrimoufettal]

Ok reflecting a little more. It s a joke and should only be taken as is. not my humour i believe.

[henrimoufettal]

-think out of the box good, entering every single world without precaution no

-putting price tag everywhere, They have to go out of their box to realise how far from reality and that life is simple.

Reality is an enjoyable world. It is definitely gonna get me crazy and it s what i like about that. I am simple. everything is relative. we just don t have the same basic reference.

at least gave me a smile. I am just taking it on the joke side, that s the only value this has.

[SophosVII]

If I had to, I would rather trust my life a gangster with a shotgun, to anyone doing marketing for living.

[whydizz]

great talk. Both interesting, informative, and being funny was a bonus.

[catch22inmypants]

Loved the presentation. You think for a presentation on perception, he'd dress better though.

[zoha1956]

It's astounding how powerful perception is! Excellent lecture

[geezzerboy]

He is not only an Ad Man, he's also a Mad Man, and also a very, very Sad Man.

[FGGTZORZ]

what makes you say that?

[geezzerboy]

How about those grossly sick jokes at the beginning? Or his blind commitment to continuous economic growth, and increased profits? Or his derision of any possible critics, e.g. educated people? His praise of manipulating the public? It goes on, and on.

[carreralee]

Where can I find TED evil talks?

[accuwash]

What a great talk... I love the potatoe story.

[arthurascii]

So... Ferraris are good because they allow rich idiots to show off. Fair enough.

If there were no Ferraris, rich idiots would buy 20 Ford Mondeos instead. Hmmm. Maybe.

[rasalghul5555]

what brilliant presentation!

[karbono]

Great stuff. I especially liked the potatoes story.

[iadv]

Awesome talk, this was inspiring since I love to study about marketing.

[gabydewilde]

great talk

[gabydewilde]

great talk

[TheScrewOnHead]

The whole idea of a college is a placebo education. You could feasibly get the same learning at a library.

[MUHAMMADFUCKEDKIDS]

I have often wondered about that but a lecturer does give motivation and direction,,,,,,

[hannahskm]

as much as I hate advertising.. I love it!

[peterbundy84]

Unicum in Hungary! yeah, you have to drink it there to like it

[ofwhichsaturates]

Great talk.

[gabydewilde]

thats what I thought !

[111eastmall]

Advertising:

1. Heavily pollutes your subconscious mind

2. Makes fat cats fatter

3. Makes you poorer (Mentally with false wants/needs & financially)

...Just my two cents

[MUHAMMADFUCKEDKIDS]

Yes it creaes a want,,,,,but that is the whole reason for it!

Also it does actually let you know what products can help a situation you may have and a new tech solution for it,,,,so is not all bad.

[sebbesomfan]

ad men are just as evil as the ignorance of the people falling for their tricks...

[gabydewilde]

The more wealthy people are the easier they take adverts for product information.

The further up the more insane it gets.

[TheBigThoughful]

@gabydewilde what? pretty common knowledge that the lower class is more impressed by mass media.

[gabydewilde]

@TheBigThoughful Yes, but you are also saying this can not be explained often enough. I wouldn't go as far as to externalize it and call people lower class. It most likely applies to you and me also. A smart person would keep reminding himself of how it works, he would still get caught eventually. Watching videos on youtube, searching with google etc etc

[JoeTFriday]

The slave master's dream:

Convince the slaves that it is the intangibles like the master's smile and the preacher's promise that constitute the real values in life.

Now the state will take over where the slave master left off after being so rudely interrupted by Enlightenment thought.

Get used to postmodern subjectivism as the ruling paradigm. There's a world of intangible wealth out there for your enjoyment.

The state will use the TANGIBLE goods in your best interest, thank you very much.

[LeMegasandwich]

"Placebo education"

...

Maybe his degree. You can learn facts!

[MengersDisciple]

Cheerios is out of luck then?

[AutodidacticPhd]

Placebo Education would be a brilliant new idea if it wasn't for the fact that this is what most people already receive.

[TheKingOfFresno]

This...was...BRILLIANT!!!

[Ritm2]

roxxxors

[MihaZ]

Placebo education hahaha, priceless.

[Atheist269]

"not very portable, genehrahlyy" LOL

[MotorizeYourBike]

This is great - what a message! Funny how one of the Shreddies tasted better than the other. Also, you want to cruise right through traffic, Motorize Your Bike!

[yonglonglai]

Very entertaining and educational.

[bryankjr]

I live in America, and I want the shreddies combo pack!

[NuLLx42]

haha, IBM ad at the end. I see what you probably didn't mean to do there.

[Abnormalized]

Great talk!  Very interesting and entertaining... and thought-provoking!

[starwarsgeek8]

"not to mention the actual intrinsic value of having gold jewelry..."

Gold isn't intrinsically valuable, it's just valued. He of all people should know that.

[zapan99]

Gold is actually pretty valuable as a material, for it's highly conductive proprieties, durability and ductability. So much for the romantic bullshit about greed.

[adj789]

One of the most entertaining TED talks! 5/5

[roidroid]

re: the interesting IBM advertisement at the end:

"USA traffic is creating 45% of the world's air pollution"

...what?

Also - why on earth do they need a whole server room to identify a mere licence-plate image?

My laptop has the processing power to do that. So... IBM server farms just suck?

[humanist7117]

Hilarious yet informative.

[theaggravator]

Let's sum this up in just a few old words -

"The best things in life are free."

Of course that's just mostly rubbish.

[ArgueExplain]

Best TED talk ever.

[0n3b1o0d]

LOL - we dont call them shreddies in new zealand! we call them chex multi clothes for some stuuuuuuupid reason, same thing different name, its my favourite cereal and we have yet to get the diamond ones! :P

[TheBigThoughful]

@0n3b1o0d chex is different

[worriedaboutlife]

the inverse rartio of an adman is this fucking cunt

[snowwolfsabertooth]

this guy is bloody awesome!!

but some values and perceptions are not be messed with

[mrensayne]

日本

[00alc000]

I thought the Sheddies commercial was brilliant. I have learned to hate new and improved because often the product is just fine the way it is.

Loved your talk.

[colinlikeschapstick]

Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

[Petchhyy]

Brilliant talk!

[Inferno41]

Nice. I really wasn't expecting much but this was spectacularly entertaining and enlightening.

[kid29a]

Well-spoken man, interesting way this talk is performed, jokes are funny... but the content is just why I hate advertising market, marketing strategies etc...

[marjan15]

Audio intro is slightly better but still pretty bad.

[roidroid]

it doesn't quite blow you out of your chair anymore

[sandphil12]

Great Speech!

[ChillPenguin2]

Well done sir. This is one of my favorite TED talks since it first became public.

[ErichoTTA]

Love the new intro.

[wreckerpecker]

Nothing but BAAAAA

[dominice112]

Baaa?

Elaborate on the baaa please wreckerpecker.

[wreckerpecker]

Sheepleweeple interpretation and application, all packaging.

Presentation certainly didn't captivate me. I was busy thinking of all the dust and toxic chemicals in the factory "foods" that he was showing.

Like a theater full of captive audience with radon gas coming through the heating system and the curtain smoldering, I am not spending our time discussing the distraction on stage.

[dominice112]

I'm unfamiliar with Sheele Weeple.. and, I'm amazed what you managed to put in your "BAAAAA"..

[wreckerpecker]

I am sure that one day you may be. And one day you won't.

[dominice112]

Sense, you make none.

[wreckerpecker]

Lies, you tell many

[roidroid]

"BAAAAA"

Bacholor of Arts, Achievements, And Amazing Anocryms

[John1Rawls]

S'funny how the word 'Sheeple' spread through the language by arrogant people who think they're somehow above everyone else. Almost as if they were conforming to a norm for such people. It's ironic that those who complain about conformism and lack of independent thought are the most conformist themselves and uncreative thinkers themselves.

[wreckerpecker]

That's funny to you?

[ArxVirtus]

@John1Rawls - Correct you are. Creative, independent thinkers don't give a thought to "sheeple" or other silly concepts. They simply find ways to succeed. 

Those who point out frustration with "sheeple" are bound by their frustration and their inability to move past it.

[2661960]

Loved this...we have actually had discussions over the Shreddies "diamond" shape!

[svd348]

This one was fantastic. I was just about to give up on Ted too.

[isaidmrw]

This was a brilliant TED talk. I perceived it to be brilliant so it was.

[SpacedTime]

I just don't know where TED gets all these great speakers talking about such fascinating subjects.

TED is my best youtube subscription.

Thanks guys.

[DoogieTalons]

I love TED talks but there are not many that have made me laugh out loud like this one.

[325982668]

this was fantastic, my favourite TED probably

[oprahlovesgail]

I think he said "actually" about 800 times. Seriously I counted. I actually counted.

[pastimetrippin]

i love that flash @ 8:29....made me thirsty.

[AnneOnAMoose]

I got thirsty at 9:19

[emailman712]

what happened to rhombus shreddies? lol

[ScientiaVeritasEtLux]

I would definitely buy shreddies after seeing that commercial.

[Scotvenom]

Diamond or regular? :)

[WoWanate]

Enjoyable performance.

[planetdarwin]

Why don't we have "penalty points" in America?

[pastimetrippin]

ummmm we do. try going 70 in a 35 u'll get 4 pointer.

[planetdarwin]

Why does the new YouTube player not listen to me when I tell it to PAUSE?

[skeletonmom]

Whats up with the IBM commercial? Charging people to drive into the city with IBM's pricey cameras? Why not just spend on public transportation and have people pay to ride the bus? Meh, commercials...why must they be EVERYWHERE....gah....

[reptilezsweden]

Commercial is everywhere because when things grow they need funds and you and me are not willing to pay for it.

[skeletonmom]

reptilezsweden-I am not complaining about having a commercial on a station to pay for it to be free. I am complaining about the content of the commercial.

Not willing to pay for something? Really depends of what it is and if it is worth the price....and that could be subjective depending on who you are talking to...

[roidroid]

it's a much needed pollution tax.

Think of it like a river. You can piss in a river, no-one will notice. But when the whole city pisses in the river, it ruins the river. And to fix it you need to reduce the amount of people pissing in the river. So charge a river pissing tax, and some ppl will make an effort to save their money and piss elsewhere. HORRAY!

In much the same way - too much traffic ruins a city. When it gets too much - something must be done to fix it. Here is a solution.

[chairde]

What a waste of time.

[ShadowShorts]

His point about changing perception versus reality is a very good one. Not literally, of course. But, if we could identify why we perceive things the way we do - the root causes in terms of psychology - then, we'd probably be a lot farther ahead dealing with many of today's problems.

[AsifVidios]

I laughed my ass off :)

[roidroid]

I will sell you a new ass. Latest model.

[86kinky86]

It seems that TED is starting to invite showmen instead of people of knowledge...

[NegativeNick]

they always do that. it fulfills the E of TED

[dollaresque]

In this case, the guy is both.

[RarewareLover]

They like people who have ideas changing our way of looking at things, and it helps if they're engaging and entertaining.

[AeroJimE27]

This is a great one!

[lakermangmx]

fuck, The combo pack uhhh, obvious !!

[theseanze]

why is it that the people in these research studies are always so dull? To find representative samples of the general population? I'd think that anyone who hasn't turned into a TV zombie would crack up the second he unveiled the "new" diamond campaign.

[midare]

Maybe it is just that only boring people find the time to come in for these sample groups. (Or they're TV zombies.)

[CrownRoyalSociety]

I laughed. I learned. I thought. One of the best TED talks and I've been watching them for a long time now.

[Scurmicurv]

He do have a point. I mean, I live in what, for all the world, is one of the wealthiest - with that wealth well distributed among the population - and most technologically advanced countries in the world. And still, opening an ordinary newspaper you'd think we're on the verge of collective suicide out of sheer desperation. A lot of people never take the time to really think about how good their lives are, which is kind of a slap in the face to those who have real hardships to worry about.

[CilantroHater]

"Placebo Education", LOL!

I believe it is sold under the name "MBA".

[Marqo7]

Love the Combo Pack of Shreddies!

[JustAnAdjunct]

Life lessons from an ad man!?!?!?!??!

What's next - "Nuggets of wisdom from a sociopath"?

[dreapster]

Are you comparing ad men to sociopaths?

[HigherPlanes]

Ad men are the spawn of satan, and I'm speaking as a former ad man, of course.

[celshader]

I agree and I am a current ad man

[roidroid]

Satan's not a bad bloke.

His biggest PR problem is that atrocious book of anti-Satan propaganda - "the Bible".

[deeptracy23]

Me too!

[gerontodon]

Can't believe I've never seen this man on TV. He gives the impression that you already know who he is, even though you don't. More entertaining than a lot of media stars anyway.

[yavanna1969]

Rory should be in politics - or at the very least have his own tv show - I agree with the previous post - fucking brilliant - Best TED I've seen for a long time

[damuschka]

New Diamond Shreddis!!!

[ravkes]

"You could introduce placebo education, the point is that education doesn't actually work by teaching you things. It actually works by giving you the impression that you've had a very good education.. which gives you an insane sense of unwarranted self-confidence which then makes you very very successful in later life."

So true.. lol

[Migslayer101]

Lol this guy was funny

[ExMachine]

Yes, so poor people are really experiencing the intangible benefits of poverty!