Paul Arden

Paul Arden – Life, Career & Memorable Quotes

Paul Arden (1940–2008) was a British creative director, author, and advertising legend. Explore his life, his philosophy on creativity, leadership, and business, and read his most inspiring quotes.

Introduction

Paul Arden was not just an author—he was a creative provocateur. As executive creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi and later as a writer, Arden challenged conventional thinking, urging people to take risks, think differently, and see opportunity where others see limits. His books—such as It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be and Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite—remain popular among creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders. His legacy lies in the boldness of his ideas, his willingness to challenge norms, and in the way he energized readers to reimagine what is possible.

Early Life and Background

Paul Arden was born on 7 April 1940. Details about his early childhood and family are less widely documented in mainstream sources. What is clear is that he forged a path into advertising and creative work, developing a reputation for audacious campaigns and inventive thinking.

Career and Achievements

Advertising & Saatchi & Saatchi

Arden made his mark in the world of advertising. After working for many years in the industry, he joined Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the world’s most prominent advertising agencies.

In 1987, he was appointed Executive Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, following 14 years with the agency.

One of his iconic contributions was in crafting campaigns and branding that transformed public perception — for example, advertising that helped reposition British Airways as “The World’s Favourite Airline.”

Arden left Saatchi & Saatchi as a full-time executive in 1992, though he continued consulting for them until about 1995.

Author & Thought Leader

Later, Arden refocused more on writing and sharing his creative philosophy broadly. He authored several influential books, including:

• It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be (2003)

• Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite (2006)

• God Explained in a Taxi Ride (2007)

In his writing, Arden combined direct, punchy aphorisms with illustrations, storytelling, and provocations to push the reader out of comfortable thinking.

Additionally, he contributed columns to The Independent newspaper, further extending his voice beyond the advertising world.

He also had interests outside advertising and writing: with his wife, he co-founded an art gallery called Arden & Anstruther in West Sussex in 2003.

Philosophy & Creative Vision

Paul Arden’s thought is rooted in several recurring themes:

• Risk & Action over Safety
  He argued repeatedly that playing it safe leads to mediocrity: true breakthroughs come when one defies convention, takes action, and learns from mistakes.

• Thinking Differently
  Arden challenged people to question norms and invert conventional wisdom. His famous “think the opposite” advice encourages readers to interrogate assumptions and try unorthodox approaches.

• Originality vs. Experience
  He was skeptical of relying purely on experience or “what’s worked before,” suggesting that that can stifle creativity.

• Responsibility & Ownership
  He emphasized accepting responsibility rather than deflecting blame. That self-accountability fosters growth and credibility.

• Present Opportunity over Waiting
  Arden often warned against waiting for perfect conditions or next big opportunity; better to act now with what one has and improve along the way.

• Advertising as Universal Metaphor
  Beyond commercial ads, he saw life, work, identity, and communication as forms of “advertising” — how we present ourselves, how we influence, how we persuade.

His voice is sharp, provocative, and motivational. The directness of his language is part of his appeal.

Personality & Traits

While Arden was a public figure, he preferred letting his work speak. Through his career, some character traits emerge:

• Boldness & Willingness to Challenge
  He didn’t hesitate to criticize comfortable thinking, assume contrarian stances, and push others out of complacency.

• Clarity & Brevity
  His style favored concise, potent statements (aphorisms), making his ideas memorable and shareable.

• Curiosity & Restlessness
  Arden seemed energized by experimentation, change, and new frontiers.

• Courage in Vulnerability
  In his writing he sometimes acknowledged uncertainties, contradictions, or paradoxes, giving his voice authenticity rather than dogmatism.

Famous & Inspiring Quotes

Here are some of Paul Arden’s most quoted lines — distilled wisdom that captures his mindset:

“If you always make the right decision, the safe decision, the one most people make, you will be the same as everyone else.”

“The world is what YOU think of it, so think of it DIFFERENTLY and your life will change.”

“Too many people spend too much time trying to perfect something before they actually do it. Instead of waiting for perfection, run with what you’ve got, and fix it as you go.”

“Do not seek praise. Seek criticism.”

“If you can’t solve a problem, it’s because you’re playing by the rules.”

“Your vision of where or who you want to be is your greatest asset. Without having a goal it’s difficult to score.”

“Being right is based upon knowledge … Being right is also being boring. People who are right are … rooted in the past.”

“We are all advertising, all of the time.”

These lines reflect his core convictions: value risk, embrace action, reject passivity, and question assumptions.

Lessons from Paul Arden

• Start before you’re ready
  Waiting for perfect conditions often leads to paralysis—Arden urges action, iteration, and adjustment along the way.

• Dare to be different
  Conformity is safe, but it rarely leads anywhere remarkable.

• Accept criticism and feedback
  Growth often comes from what’s wrong—not what’s comfortable to praise.

• Ownership over excuses
  Taking responsibility empowers you; blaming externalities restrains your potential.

• Use your current resources
  Don’t wait for the “ideal brief” or perfect idea—work with what you have now.

• Reframe your mindset
  The world isn’t fixed—your interpretation shapes your experience and possibilities.

Conclusion

Paul Arden was much more than an advertising executive—he was an instigator of better thinking. Through his career and writings, he challenged people to reject safety, embrace audacious ideas, and act with responsibility. His pithy, bold aphorisms continue to inspire creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to break from mediocrity.