This isn't a book, but a series of mini books in a cool package.

Design - dozen or so mini books, the outside is cut to show the textures on the cover of each through the holes. Each one of the covers are really cool an visually interesting.

Books - The mini books each have a typographical experiment in them and usually a page or two, explaining the sentence his experiments make (sometimes more).

This is not a how to, a our company had this project, or philosophy of book (books?). It is what he did while he took a year off, and did whatever he wanted basically.

Cool for sure, I enjoyed it a lot.

There is one section of bookstores that I traditionally avoid when browsing:
the self-help section. It's not that the ideas of how to live a fuller life are not
worthy of my attention, but the way these book are written usually wears me
down by their linear nature and repetition of thought. And they often seem
disingenuous. Sagmeister's book is the opposite. It is an alternative
self-help book designed for those of us that like to think about our values
but suffer from short attention spans and require visual stimulation and
maybe some shock value to get us motivated.

There is a lot of work here. A lot of ideas and images. It is a bold compilation of twenty thoughts presented in provocative visual pamphlets. Like his graphic work, the book breaks boundaries and is a bit rebellious, but not in a self-conscious manner. You actually get the feeling that Sagmeister takes his personal development as seriously as his ideas on
design and that he believes that design can make a difference. It's very optimistic. It makes you want to want art or change the world or change yourself or rethink the very form of a book. Maybe the fact that it is broken up into bite size chunks with dramatic and hilarious and curious photographs of real world examples makes us see that it is possible. Or maybe the fact that this compilation is a work in progress rather than a final thesis makes it accessible.

"Everybody who is honest is interesting" is an appropriate aphorism taken from the text. You get the sense that Sagmeister is being honest in this work. And in our world of marketing jive this is refreshing. I'm guessing that one other thing that Sagmeister has learned in his life is that most gifted designers are not gifted writers and that most need good editors. The book is especially well written and concise. My only criticism is that the pamphlets don't go back into the sleeve so easily, but I have learned to live with that.

I had a hard time liking this title because it seemed like it could have been more. Perhaps if I made it to his gallery show I could have felt that I connected to its vision. It is beautifully designed, all there with the big named photographers, artists, illustrators, etc. But I was left wishing that there was more that I could have gotten. It felt like a sidekick companion than the entree.

The long awaited follow up to Sagmeister's 'Made you Look' has been well worth the wait.
A book, so different to any design piece available. Full of beautiful imagery, humor and some heartfelt reflection.

A great insight into the working's of an amazing studio.

Congratulations for this extraordinary publication.
Your energy and commitment to life is so great.
So unexpected.
So many highlights.

Sagmeister is by far my favorite designer, and this book is a really beautiful example of his work.

the things he has learned are things that I have learned and am still learning.

It's fantastic. Talks about the human side and life's lessons in the advertising and design industry which is specifically what I was looking for. Good advice and good packaging...

I was excited about this publication by one of the century's foremost design icons. Imagine my surprise when I opened the long-awaited package to discover that it is not a book at all! Just a short series of paper promotion-style vanity pieces containing entertaining truisms, but little substance. As a design student, I feel this is nothing but a waste of my hard-earned money. I expected a great deal more from Sagmeister. I will definitely be returning this "book." It is nothing more than a coffee table gimmick and a commercial sell-out.

In our very visual society, word are getting less and less appealing, so Sagmeister, being a prominent graphic artist, is increasingly conjuring to put them in a wider contest. Installations and visual performances in types and images are rarely any political stances, but here a peculiar wisdom emerges. Being a European a very sophisticated imagery give way to a delicate and subtle world of thoughts well framed, equally well supported by a completely new typhographical format.

This is no ordinary book, it is in and of itself a little piece of art! I bought this book in anticipation of an upcoming lecture from Stefan Sagmeister. Reading through the first time, I loved the sincerity of each part of the book. It's such a heartfelt, personal journey through this massive project. Reading through a second, third, fourth and so on, I get details I missed the first time around. After having heard Stefan speak for the first time, the book was brought to life like never before. I will treasure this publication, as it rightfully earns a spot on my bookshelf of design greats. I cannot wait to see what Stefan has in store for us in the future!

Sagmeister is amazing! I just saw him do a lecture on this book in Columbia. It brought so much life to the work hearing his personal experiences. This book is so fun and interactive it embodies the spirit of his work perfectly. It is a box with a die-cut out of his face on the cover. Inside are 10-15 smaller booklets each covering one of his many projects. As you switch the order of the books in the box it shows through the holes in the cover changing the design. It's really cool...I am so excited to add it to my collection.

Many publishers produce hundreds of thousands of boring books in the hope that they will be able to keep paying dividends to their investors and salaries to themselves. One could be forgiven for thinking that their professional teams of editors, art directors, and sales executives review potential titles and remove challenging material, unexpected, imaginative, or risky concepts, and especially self-indulgent works created for the pure pleasure of their own existence (instead of for the express purpose of making money). In this tragic environment, it's a small miracle that a book like Sagmeister's Things I Learned... emerges unexpurgated and fresh - with the potential for sales to millions who simply love his passion. My friend the photojournalist Philip Jones Griffiths who died last month, created the book Vietnam Inc. He made no profit from it in the beginning, but It helped end the Vietnam war. Philip's passion was for peace. Stefan's is for something else - beauty? truth? I think everyone should buy this book - if only to prove to publishers and media moguls everywhere that we want more truth, more beauty, more passion in our lives - and we're willing to vote with our wallets: "All together now..."

Robert Appleton, AGI

What a great surprise to find several books encased together - each filled with a visual representations of one of Stefan's lessons in life. Each lesson is uniquely made, from billboards, to snails, to sugar, his quotes are composed typographically in the most unexpected ways. The book covers for each lesson make an interesting look for his face when interchanged with the die cut cover. If you are a fan, you will look at these books over and over and wonder how he thought of some of these. Some will make you laugh and some might gross you out, but each are completely interesting.

I've admired Stefan's work since my first days in design school. The first time I had Made you look in my hands, I was shocked and deeply impressed to feel, really feel something while reading about and looking at someone's work.

Now, almost five years after that experience I finally got my copy of Things I have learned in my life so far (I live in Mexico) and I just felt thrilled like a teenager while reading it (even while opening the box).

This is not a book for designers, its more an inspiring piece that really makes you think about your life and how you reflect what you believe in in your work and personal relations. (and for designers, your jaw will fall at the sight of every poster, installation and spread included in it)

Visually amusing, beautifully designed, touching and really really inspiring. Get it before it reaches $195, just like Made You Look.

When I was younger and before I knew I was going to be a designer, I was into basketball. In the afternoons, before going to the courts to play for a few hours, I would watch "NBA Action" on TV, which would get me "pumped" and full of anticipation/inspiration. Many times I felt that my good playing of a particular day was greatly influenced by the positive vibes I got from watching NBA superstars at their best.

Now, it is design books that I think cause the same feeling on me. They obviously don't guarantee great designing, but they are tremendously inspiring and definitely contribute to predisposing me to aim higher.

I typically devour these publications, like a music fan would do with a latest release. It seems like the most logical and fan-like thing to do, doesn't it?

Well, this time I'm trying something different.

In the case of Stefan's new book, I've decided to administer its contents in small dosages, so as to enjoy its great effects for a longer period of time. Being that the book comes in unbound signatures, this method becomes easier for me, because I can just pick one and read it slowly when I need a fix the most.

What I experienced with "Made you Look" (Stefan's previous title) is something I continue to experience with "Things I Have Learned in My Life so Far," and that is not just the elation from looking at the images and solutions to design problems; I feel it's the way of his thinking and the honesty with which the stories are written, that I find the most contagious in terms of inspiration, optimism and hope.

I read a lot of design books and Stefan's books never cease to entertain and inspire. This book is no exception.

Although we have already seen many different pieces that are in this book, it is great to see and read about the entire project. It is fascinating to have all the work in one place, see the process it took to make these creations and discover the meaning behind it all. What has always struck me about Stefan's work is the complete originality behind it and the guts that it takes to produce work like his own.

What impacts me even more than the work, is the message behind the work. We (consumer minded designers) tend to lose site of what really matters in life. So many of the messages in Stefan's work are great reminders, and it takes somebody rendering these ideas in such painstaking ways, to make us take a second look at our priorities in life.

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Sagmeister speak in person. He's very accessible and funny - it was a great talk. Even though most of his talk was covered by the book, I love having the content for reference. There's a lot of dedication in this book, and the level of commitment and thought represents the kind of work I think we all should aspire to.

"Things I Have Learned In MY Life So Far" is much more than just a book. From the witty design of the book(s) itself to the touching anecdotes Stefan Sagmeister shares, it is truly nourishment for the soul. Mr. Sagmeister's design and thought process is always innovative but his heart is grounded and correct. I'm so addicted to the book that I enjoy reading a maxim a night before going to bed. I am truly inspired by Mr. Sagmeister's work and his philosophy on life. EVERYONE should have a copy of this book!

One of my favorites pieces of design, not is a book, is a masterpiece.
I love the concept, the little booklets let play with each one of them during hours over Sagmeister's face. The works really awesome. The texts, I would like have more to read.
Thanks Stefan to sharing your work.

"Things I Have Learned In MY Life So Far" is much more than just a book. From the design of the book(s) itself to the anecdotes Stefan Sagmeister shares, it is truly nourishment for the soul. I'm so addicted to the book that I enjoy reading a maxim a night before going to bed. I am truly inspired and touched by Mr. Sagmeister's work and his philosophy on life. EVERYONE should have a copy of this book!

This book (is it a book?) is as creative as the man. He always comes up with something new and fresh, and this is no exception. I like the way the mini-essays (the "things") appear in the "booklets" or whatever they are, mixed in with the work, the installations, and all the rest. And maybe the coolest thing of all is dropping the different booklets behind the die-cut cover to see what will emerge. It may sound weird, but I endlessly play with this. 5 stars baby!

Harald Johnson

I believe that Sagmeister's projects documented in this book are historically and culturally significant for the design profession. While many designers have explored the relationship of authorship and design, very few (if any) have been able to do it on the scale and with the cultural impact that Sagmeister has achieved.

What is most important is that Stefan has opened the door for design to serve in communication of concepts other than those of buying and selling, products and services, or even political causes and charitable events. His designs here begin to communicate beliefs, ideas and values in ways that engage and interact with viewers in a manner very similar to the ways filmmakers and musicians do. The work in this book may entertain, amuse, inspire, offend or puzzle at any given turn -- presenting unusual perspectives, simple insights, funny observations and compelling questions with wit, skill and a good dose of guts.

We can only hope that he will continue to find new and interesting ways to engage the world with designs that attempt to speak to the human soul rather than designs that desire to "brand." And we can hope that he will inspire an entire generation of designers to do the same.

This creation is amazing-very well done, entertaining and just funny! I attended your presentation at UW in Seattle for the release, and rushed to buy it. I'm reading each pamphlet daily. Great job!

Things I have learned in my life so far
Stunning on every level, it leaves you speechless... and incredibly happy!!! I just ordered another 10 copies, what more can I say...?

If you need to read a review to convince you to buy this book, you probably are. If Sagmeister's reputation, the Amazon low price, the snap shot, and a love of design are not enough to convince you, perhaps the thrill of taking a risk is. You might actually love it. Better yet, it might inspire you. It did me.

This is really a truly inspiring design book. It transcends the design aspect, and verges into what's inside Stefan's genius mind. It looks great and reads great. The format is really fresh too. His first book was a great look into his work, and this is an amazing look into what he believes in - and it's worth learning about.

I have Sagmeister's two other books, and this 15 pamphlet folio is another winner. It's exceptionally well produced (why am I not surprised). Having seen Stefan Sagmeister speak twice, I was delighted to see many of the images I've seen him use in his talks not only in this book but discussed in detail; both the ideas behind them and tales of their production.

Buy one for yourself, buy one for a gift - I can't imagine anyone who enjoys design or just thinking about living that wouldn't be delighted by this book.

Jane and I just got back from skiing in Aspen and guess what was on our dining table?
The brand new spanky super cool "book" from Stefan Sagmeister and team..
I am always amazed what a little boy from Austria can come up with.

Francois ROBERT Photographer Xgraphic designer Tucson AZ

While I think Mr. Sagmeister is a uniquely creative designer, the Things He Has Learned in His Life would be better presented on a monitor or at an exhibition than in a series of pamphlets. His ideas, while interesting, don't contribute to a whole that I'd want to have on my bookshelf.

Stefan Sagmeister's book is a brilliant, hilarious, and entertaining exploration of this supremely inventive graphic designer's creative process and life's lessons. His intense engagement with the world through playful and ingenious interaction of words and images is graphic design at its very best. Who else could impart wisdom with so much fun using everything from giant angry monkeys to microbes? I can't wait to see what he does next.

"Things I've learned in my life so far", represents Stefan's latest gift to the world and a rare glimpse into the mind and passion of one of today's most gifted designers and thinkers. Commanding interaction, masterfully crafted and produced, it touches, pokes, illuminates, challenges, and inspires even the most casual of reader. With each page Stefan treats us, as only he can, to a boundless buffet of evocative unfettered visual expression, striking all of the emotional chords in perfect pitch. Softly sprinkled throughout is a common sense perspective on life, art, and our world that is at once both poignant, and refreshingly warm. This is a must read publication, whether you're a senior executive, stay at home mom, instructor, young designer, artist, or a seasoned communications professional. Congratulations!

Hi Stefan,

I had fun time picking up every single book of yours in the book
store today. I am sorry that the Japanese Esquire Magazine rejected
your piss type. I got such a big kick out of it when I saw the work
on the magazine cover at the magazine stand somewhere in NY. I have
pissed on the street so many times in Japan and I have never got
arrested for it. The reasons why your work got rejected were even
ridiculous, and I don't know why they asked you to do whatever for
the cover in the first place. Well, I guess they thought they were
right to think like that way and reject it, but the whole story
proved your point indeed.

Thanks,
satoru

"trying to look good limits my life" and "everything I do always comes back to me" are two of my favorites.
I have always admired Stefan Sagmeister's ability to bring together a sincerity of purpose with a lot of (obvious) fun in the realization of his projects. I myself had a lot of fun reading and looking at this "book", after having seen the same titled show in New York City, detecting details that escaped me at the very crowded gallery, chuckling at the whimsy and imagination that went into it.
As in "Made You Look", Stefan wraps his pieces with delightful and sometimes very personal stories and anecdotes, which definitely adds to the overall impression that this is not just another design book, it's a great way to meet an artist/designer who has something to say, and who does it well.
I bought five copies at the show, they make great gifts. Maybe I should have waited for the amazon discount, though. Highly recommended.

Sagmeister's work refuses to just sit there and be looked at - this is way beyond just design: it compels you to become a part of it. Every image is a revelation - and demands detailed study. This book has stories too - little tales and observations about Stefan's life that are not only moving, but forced me to think of my own life and what I have learned along the way. And all along I am swapping out the booklets and changing the image seen through the cover - first Stefan is a flower garden - then he's a monkey - it's all in there. Amazing.