Name: Life lessons from an ad man
Uploaded: 2009-10-14T01:00:00Z
Duration: 16 min 22 s
Description: Advertising adds value to a product by changing our perception, rather than the product itself. Rory Sutherland makes the daring assertion that a change in perceived value can be just as satisfying as what we consider “real” value -- and his conclusion has interesting consequences for how we look at life.

Advertising adds value to a product by changing our perception, rather than the product itself. Rory Sutherland makes the daring assertion that a change in perceived value can be just as satisfying as what we consider “real” value -- and his conclusion has interesting consequences for how we look at life.

Life lessons from an ad man

Changing how people perceive something can be just as powerful as changing the thing itself. A diamond-shaped Shreddies cereal box, identical to the old squares, sparked debate and renewed excitement by reframing the ordinary. History offers creative examples, like Frederick the Great turning potatoes from peasant food into a coveted royal delicacy simply through clever positioning. Embracing intangible value, rather than only material goods, can make societies richer, more satisfied, and even more egalitarian.