Smile time again

Everybody seeks approval.

No matter how obviously good we may be at something, we still seek approval.

This post is in continuation of the 'smile' series of posts. Those of you who missed them can see the previous two posts on the subject here and here. A good insight always makes you smile.

Acknowledgements: I would like to thank Meraj for pointing out this insight when it unexpectedly sprang up during one of our many casual conversations.

A few more smiles

Few months back, in this post, I had initiated a list of universal truths. Truths that transcend language and cultural barriers:

Thanks Meraj, Mathew and Anbu for your contributions.

My attempt in the following list is to present truths that are, lets say, on the second level of truths. The first level include the more fundamental truths such as maternal instinct, sexual desire, envy, desire for more etc...

Here's a list of truths which may not be covered in a ' basic human psychology course'.

1) Feeling pangs of guilt for being more privileged than the, I shall take this opportunity to use the most popular buzz word of the day - slumdogs. Whether we do something about it or manage to ignore.

2) An unexpected present at an unexpected time can win you a special slot in anybody's heart. Don't believe it? Try it and see! ALWAYS worked for me. (borrowed from the movie 'Finding Forester')

3) We all have wanted to prove some people wrong about what some people think of us

4) We all like to 'collect' things. The thing may vary but everybody collects something. (such as the collection of owls in the picture)

5) There is a child in every grown-up and a grown-up in every child. (the former brought out beautifully in the Fiat Linea ad and the latter in Slumdog millionaire)

6) Its difficult to stay calm in presence of a loved celebrity. No matter how dignified you are. (Shown masterfully in the new Vodafone ad. Can't find it on Youtube yet)

7) Anybody who meets/sees a BIG celebrity feels it important to later make character judgements - "very unassuming" or "big showoff" or "has bad skin" or "is very short" or "has a presence" or the favourite: "is very ordinary"

Hope each of them made you smile. I enjoyed putting them together..:)

Cheers!

"My current favourite ad" award for the admiration of Fiat Linea

"my current favourite ad" award

Speaking of universal truths. This ad takes a beautiful twist on one.

This ad has that same quality that all my "my favourite ad" award winners have. The love-to-see-it-repeatedly quality. Like all good entertainers, this ad employs nice music.

I am not a typical car enthusiast but I do stand witness to the passions that certain cars can stir-up in them. This ad subtly brings out that love thereby winning the award.

Fiat Linea. Just launched in India this month. The ad is still fairly new. Took me a while to find an online version. Someones yet to Youtube it. Anyone at Bates reading this?

You can see the ad here . Tell me what you think.

Like a smile

Recently, while chilling at Mirrisa beach, it occurred to me that every beach on the world will have sand creations - from the ubiquitous sand-mountain to the intricate castles.

It made me think of certain truths that bind humanity together - like a smile - everybody knows a smile when they see one.

These are the kinds of truths that mainstream advertising agencies have a constant thirst for.

It's through these universal truths, insights if you please that we create ads that are universally relatable.

Of course with increasing individuality and corresponding advancements in technology, we have now shifted to the new-age many-to-one communication strategy as opposed to the traditional one-to-many strategy. Wherein we can focus on more customised truths.

Yet, this exercise is fun. Lets put together a list of universal truths. Do share the ones you may have bumped into.

Look around you! :)