evil plans
Hugh MacLeod is a variable; this is indicative of the beauty of real artists. Hugh is most definitely a real artist in my books.
Evil Plans is a short read, punctuated by Hugh’s subtle-as-a-brick-to-the-nuts back-of-a-business-card cartoons. With the combined short chapters and cartoons, this book felt like spending time with that one wise uncle that you have in the family who is the successful one and worth spending time with.
Hugh is well travelled, been through the career grinder and – I’m quite convinced of this – was hit over the head by a corporate entity as a child leaving him visibly scarred as he went through the “9 to 5″ section of his career. All these battle scars and derived wisdom amount to a no b-s compilation of solid, realistic and enthusiastic advice. There is a personal authenticity to this book that’ll keep it levitating high above the usual business guidance that other books dish out in numerous disguises.
If there was just one thing unenjoyable, it was the handful of religious references sprinkled around the book. In my view they didn’t add any value or new context to the book and could’ve safely been excluded.
Did Evil Plans make me want to jump up and change the world? Not yet, but I will be rethinking and simplifying some of the more complex parts of my life after this to better fulfill the few plans I already have. I will also be buying a few more of Hugh’s classic cartoon prints to keep some subtle reminders around me.
Evil Plans = a valuably entertaining mental recalibration.
(more of my thoughts on Hugh’s work can be read in the I do not buy art post from last year)
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