Manifesto

Karim Rashid is quite a talented designer and he has an enticing manifesto that reflects the work he does. His manifesto is composed of 10 (public) different short rules to live by.

The one segment that stood out to me, and that I would actually like to put into my own manifesto, is this:

-Experience is the most important part of living, and the exchange of ideas and human contact is all life really is. Space and objects can encourage increased experiences or distract from our experiences.


I don't think I could have explained the concept of 'experience' any better myself. I cherish the experience of anything in life; I see them as opportunities to realize the potential of life. Most of my friends wouldn't participate in a conversation about controversial or provocative topics with people they don't know, and I'm not saying that they or you should, but... know that there is a valuable experience that comes from any discussion and exchange of ideas. Even an argument makes the place a smarter world.

I can't really see this specific rule being applied in his work, I think it's more of a lifestyle thing for Karim Rashid. I do see a correlation between his work and a some other of his manifesto rules, such as Normal is not good and Consume experiences, not things. These ideas, I believe, really drive his creativity in designing new products or packaging. He tries to create a new experience out of the same old routines and consumer products.

I don't know if right here, right now, at Alden Library, I'm suited to write out my own manifesto. I know I will, I absolutely want to, but I can't right now. I will contemplate what really needs to be in my manifesto, and write it out on a warm sunny day while sitting in the grass under a tree.

Cuz then you know it's legit.