Journeys of discovery

Archetype: Explorer

Rasa: Kāruṇyam

Explorer stories tend to emphasize personal freedom and the breaking of conventional boundaries. In this month’s list listen to Forest Swords's song "Crow," where haunting soundscapes evoke the thrill of the unknown. Look at Aaron Siskind’s "Pleasures and Terrors of Levitation," capturing the emotional duality of exploration through powerful imagery. Think about Ian Bremmer's inspiring speech, "Don't Drink the Poison," urging graduates to embrace uncertainty with courage and curiosity. Discover Satisfy's "Equipment for our World" campaign, showcasing gear designed for adventurous spirits. Finally, be inspired by Van Neistat’s series "The Spirited Man," celebrating creative living and the relentless quest for new experiences.

Listen to…

• Forest Swords's song "Crow" parallels the explorer archetype through its atmospheric and haunting soundscape that evokes a sense of mystery and discovery. The song's evolving layers and experimental structure reflect the explorer’s journey into the unknown, embracing uncertainty and seeking new experiences. The music creates a mood that evokes mystery and introspection, often associated with the journey of an explorer.

Look at…

• Aaron Siskind, an influential American photographer known for his abstract expressionist images, captures the essence of the explorer archetype in his series "Pleasures and Terrors of Levitation." The tension between pleasure and terror in the images reflects the emotional duality faced by explorers as they navigate uncharted territories, experiencing both the thrill of discovery and the anxiety of uncertainty. 

Think about…

• In his commencement speech to the 2024 graduating class at Columbia University; titled "Don't Drink the Poison," Ian Bremmer emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to navigate an unpredictable world—qualities central to the explorer archetype. Bremmer urges them to approach challenges with curiosity and an open mind, akin to an explorer's adventurous spirit. He highlights the necessity of forging one's path and embracing the unknown, paralleling the explorer's journey of self-discovery and transformation. 

Products and services

• The "Equipment for our World" campaign by Satisfy, a business known for its lifestyle and high-performance running gear, is an example of a commercial story channelling the explorer archetype. This campaign emphasizes the idea of venturing into the great outdoors equipped with gear designed for resilience and adaptability. The campaign's imagery and messaging reflect a spirit of curiosity and adventure. By highlighting the balance between performance and the unknown, Satisfy captures the emotional duality of the explorer's experience. The transformative nature of exploration is often leveraged to signify personal growth and self-discovery.

Lifestyle and inspiration

• Van Neistat, an acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller, embodies the explorer archetype in his series "The Spirited Man." Through this series, Neistat delves into the art of living with creativity, resilience, and a relentless curiosity for the world. The episodes highlight his journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of unconventional paths, mirroring the explorer's quest for new experiences and knowledge. Neistat’s storytelling captures the essence of independence and the courage to challenge the status quo, encouraging viewers to embrace the unknown and transform their lives. The series resonates with the explorer's spirit of adventure and growth, showcasing how confronting and navigating life's uncertainties can lead to profound personal transformation and a deeper understanding of oneself.

The truth will set you free; guide to the Sage archetype

The defining power of the Sage is intelligence. The Sage explores the world and themselves through information, knowledge, and understanding. Their core motivation is truth. In stories, the Sage is often portrayed as a wise mentor or guide, offering profound wisdom and guidance.

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They say information is power, but when you’re a savant of truth you know that information without knowledge only leads to the paralysis of indecision. They say knowledge is wealth, but when you’re a savant of truth you know that it means nothing without the understanding to apply it to life’s complexities. Understanding is the key to opening any door, but when you’re a savant of truth you know that even understanding only gets you so far. Without truth, you have no compass. Without truth, you have no reason. Truth is supreme. Truth, alone, will set you free.

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Central to the Sage archetype is the practice of introspection and observation. Sages are known for their contemplative nature, spending time to analyze and understand matters whether it’s work, life or spirituality. Through this tendency to dissect everything, those channeling Sage archetype are never short of insights. The Sage archetype is not limited by age or gender; it resonates with any entity that has a reservoir of know-how and insight from their analyses, observations and research. Whether through scholarly pursuits, spiritual practices, or life experience, those embodying the Sage archetype are revered for their breadth in knowledge, thorough understanding in their field of expertise and the ability to simplify complexities.

The Sage is one of the twelve archetypes of the universally recognized patterns of the human psyche as theorized by Carl Jung— the Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology. We use them in our story design process. We created a more detailed guide to understand archetypes as a story design tool; it’s recommended as a supporting read to understand why Jungian archetypes provide a great framework to typify business personas in story design.

In this short guide focusing on the Sage archetype, we cover:

• Businesses channelling the Sage

• Sage stories

• Is the Sage always old?

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Businesses channeling the Sage

When the Sage is channelled by a business, it embodies qualities like wisdom and knowledge as well as being a voice of ethics connected to their work. Sage businesses also demonstrate a sense of authority that is quite different to that of the Ruler archetype; the authority of the Sage is intellectual and comes through demonstrating deep knowledge, expertise, and a commitment to sharing valuable insights with its consumers. Whether it's through thought leadership content, educational resources, or advisory services, Sage businesses establish themselves as trusted sources of wisdom, insight, and guidance, offering valuable perspectives and solutions to its consumers to help them make informed decisions.

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Once, we helped a Colombo based financial securities group with a dominant Sage archetype to communicate their brand story within their corporate space. Ideas like the difference between knowledge and understanding and the importance of digging deeper in search of truth were central to this brand story told through space. 

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With truth being a core persuasion of the Sage, integrity and ethics are fundamental principles for a business channelling this archetype. Sage businesses operates with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical business practices; they value integrity over expedience, prioritizing long-term relationships and trust-building. By upholding high moral standards, the Sage businesses tend to cultivate a reputation for reliability, credibility, and authenticity.

Providing guidance is natural to the Sage. We’ve often noticed Sage archetype brands offering guides, mentorship programs, coaching workshops, or personalized consultations to their audiences.

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In our own business, the Sage is the second most dominant archetype after the Creator. The Sage archetype comes into play in our love for rationalising the creative process through a methodology and our insistence on creating frameworks to start all projects (to the point our clients joke about it). We also practice 100% transparency in our fees and costings; We share a complete breakdown of each and every task required to complete an order. This comes as part of our costing process; it is discussed with prospective clients before activating work. In the spirit of full transparency, we share the time it takes to complete each task and respective our profit margins. We are open to alternative forms of payment, such as barter, and digital currency with long-term clients. See the Public Works brand articulation framework that unpacks how this archetype is channeled in our business. 

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Some businesses naturally channel the Sage archetype; like educational institutions and online learning platforms focused on imparting knowledge and wisdom, such as universities, training academies, and e-learning platforms. Consulting firms and advisory services that provide expert guidance and strategic insights to businesses and individuals also embody the Sage archetype, offering solutions based on expertise and wisdom. Similarly, healthcare providers and wellness centers that prioritize holistic well-being and offer evidence-based treatments and advice resonate with the Sage archetype, as they aim to empower individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, publishing houses, libraries, and media outlets that curate and disseminate information, literature, and thought-provoking content embody the Sage archetype by serving as repositories of knowledge. Spiritual organizations, meditation centers, and life coaching services that facilitate inner reflection, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment also naturally align with the Sage archetype, guiding individuals on their journey toward self-discovery and drawing inner insights.

1901, Jiddu Krishnamurti. Public Domain. This childhood image of philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti is a great representation of the youthful Sage. Despite the obvious innocence, a mind of deep introspection is evident in the thoughtful eyes of young Krishnamurti. Further into this guide, we tackle the question of whether the Sage is always old.

When we worked with a new school entering the Sri Lankan education market with a Sage archetype in its persona mix, we found it a natural channel for the broad spectrum of knowledge the college aimed to offer its students. The Sage archetype was a key determiner of the name, strapline and brand statement that we created for this school because its unusual learning culture and far-reaching education were the most powerful USPs of the brand. We created a brand name that hinted at the spark of intellectual curiosity that drives the Sage while the strapline and brand statement were designed to give a more serious view into the breadth and depth of the learning experience at the college.

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Sage stories

One of the most popular story types associated with the Sage, particularly in the context of a business embodying this archetype, is the ‘journey towards understanding,’ story arc. This narrative follows the trajectory of a business on a quest for wisdom, knowledge, and discovery. In this story, the business could be the seeker of the story or the mentor offering guidance to its audience. 

Thought leadership is another popular and effective Sage story type; these stories help to reveal the trailblazing and visionary aspect of the Sage through groundbreaking perspectives that shape the future of their field. These stories showcase the Sage's expertise, foresight, and ability to anticipate trends and developments, inspiring others to embrace new paradigms and approaches. Narratives offering inspirational insights are great at building communities around a Sage brand. They help to uplift and motivate audiences, offering words of clarity, wisdom, and empowerment in the face of adversity. These stories draw upon the timeless wisdom of the Sage to provide guidance, comfort, and voice of reason and lucidity amidst uncertainty. Stories that delve into profound truths, those offering deep insight or unusual knowledge also favour the Sage archetype. These narratives allow the audience to see the understanding,  thinking and know-how that underpins the Sage business. Good visual storytelling with on-point symbolism and semiotics are a must for Sage archetypes. When it comes to written stories, meticulous language and rich uses of literary devices like symbolism, allegory, and metaphor, lend to the Sage archetype’s affinity for reflection and contemplation, allowing audiences to appreciate the business’ intellect and thinking. 

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When we worked with a Colombo retailer channelling the Sage, we brought in the archetype’s wisdom to bring coherence to the chaos when COVID-19 shut down the world through a short and inspiring story offering clarity. We often leveraged the Sage’s ability to view things from unusual perspectives to bring out interesting facets of their products; like the allure of an all-black saree or finding parallels between Sri Lanka’s soil composition and the colour curation of a series of stoles.

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When appropriate, we recommend some Sage businesses to include ‘How-to stories’ in their communication plans; these are stories that provide practical guidance and actionable advice with step-by-step instructions, tips, and strategies for achieving specific goals or overcoming obstacles, demystifying complex concepts and making them accessible to a broader audience. Whether it's mastering a new skill, navigating a difficult situation, or achieving personal growth, these stories serve as practical guides for success and help the Sage business build stronger ties with the audience.

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Is the Sage always old?

We don’t think so. While the Sage is often depicted as an old, wizened figure and there are strong perceptions about this aided by pop culture, it’s an archetype with a relevance that extends beyond age and outward appearances. In our experience in making commercial stories, the Sage can also manifest in middle-aged or youthful, fresh, and intellectually vibrant personas. These younger Sages embody a contemporary understanding of wisdom, blending traditional knowledge with innovative insights and cutting-edge thinking. They harness the power of technology, social media, and digital platforms to disseminate knowledge, connect with audiences, and spark meaningful conversations. 

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Get a quick snapshot of how we visually interpreted the young Sage brand persona from these two pages drawn out from a wider brand guide.

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A young Sage may lack the same depth of experience as the old, wizened Sage that we typically associate with this archetype; but the young Sage compensates with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. They readily embrace new cultural trends, and emerging paradigms, infusing their teachings with a sense of youthful dynamism and relevance. Young Sage brands are more adaptable and open-minded, willing to experiment with new approaches, embrace uncertainty, and evolve with the times. They leverage their agility and flexibility to respond quickly to changing circumstances and address the evolving needs of their audience. Older Sages command respect and authority by their age, experience, and wisdom. They exude a sense of gravitas and credibility that comes from years of dedication to their craft. Young Sages, on the other hand, establish rapport and connection with their audience through relatability, authenticity, and shared experiences. They speak the language of their generation, leveraging social media, pop culture references, and informal communication styles to engage with younger audiences on their own terms. We’ve also noticed that young Sages often have a broader range of interests and a multidisciplinary approach to knowledge. They draw connections across diverse disciplines, synthesizing insights from various sources to provide holistic perspectives and innovative solutions to complex problems.

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When we created a story for a talented young artist with a secondary Sage archetype, we highlighted the significance of his noesis to his art, particularly in highlighting how he draws inspiration from diverse disciplines like architecture. In this story, designed to communicate his artistic vision to museums, curators, buyers, and media, the Sage aspect of the persona complemented the Creator. In comparison, this story was designed for a senior artist with over forty years of experience in the art world to channel her secondary Sage archetype supporting the Creator; our approach was different.

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Does your business leverage its knowledge, expertise, and work ethics? You may have a dominant Sage archetype. To find out how we can tell your commercial stories, get in touch.

Reading list, January 2024

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Ai Weiwei, Kaws, and The Clash stand as cultural rebels challenging the status quo through art and music. Ai Weiwei's dissent against Chinese policies, Kaws' subversion of mainstream symbols, and The Clash's punk defiance weave a contemporary rebellion narrative. Beyond borders, hunger strikes echo the rebel archetype, resonating with Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent resistance spotlighted in "Veeram." Characters in "Hackers," "Fight Club," and "The Hunger Games" embody rebellion against societal norms, while Adbusters, Apple, and Benetton embrace the rebel archetype in their business narratives, challenging and reshaping societal dialogues on a global scale.

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Archetype → Rebel

Rasa → Veeram

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January 2024

Artistic expressions channelling archetype in rasa

• Ai Weiwei's art serves as a powerful tool for dissent, challenging the Chinese government's policies on human rights, censorship, and political corruption. Particularly his art installations carry deep symbolism and political messages. They critique traditional Chinese culture and push the boundaries of what is acceptable within the societal framework. For example, his use of traditional Chinese materials subverts their conventional meanings to convey dissent; they become a form of language to communicate dissent and rebellion. Ai Weiwei has faced personal risks, including imprisonment, for his provocative art challenging the Chinese government. His willingness to endure such consequences underscores his commitment to the cause.

• Artists like Kaws engage in subversive practices that challenge mainstream culture. While Kaws is not traditionally associated with political activism, his art disrupts and reinterprets popular symbols. It challenges the established narratives around iconic characters. By altering recognizable symbols, he prompts viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about these figures. Kaws started his career as a street artist, creating unauthorized interventions in public spaces. This roots his work in a form of cultural disruption akin to the rebel archetype's challenge to authority. 

• The Clash emerged during the punk rock movement of the 1970s and early 1980s, a genre known for its rebellious attitude and DIY ethos. They embodied the rebel archetype through their music, lyrics, and overall ethos. Their work resonated with a spirit of defiance, challenging societal norms and advocating for change. lyrics often delved into social and political issues of their time. Songs like "London Calling" critique the state of the world, addressing concerns such as nuclear threats, social unrest, and the impact of media. The band consistently took an anti-establishment stance, expressing scepticism toward authority and institutions. Their song "White Riot," for example, reflects a call for rebellion against racial tensions and the prevailing system. "Combat Rock," one of The Clash's most successful albums, features the rebellious anthem "Rock the Casbah." The song protests against cultural repression and celebrates the liberating power of music.

Published ideas of archetype in rasa

• The 2021 article “Anatomy of a Hunger Strike” discusses hunger strikes as a form of protest. It outlines the risks and impacts on the human body during prolonged hunger strikes, emphasizing the potential physical and mental harm that hunger strikers face. The rebel archetype, as portrayed in "Veeram," and the individuals engaging in hunger strikes share some common themes related to defiance against authority, sacrifice for a cause, and a willingness to endure physical and psychological hardship.

• The rebel archetype often involves defying oppressive forces. In Veeram, if the protagonist resists tyrannical rule or challenges societal injustices, it aligns with the archetype's spirit of rebellion against oppression. The 2019, National Geographic article titled: “How Mahatma Gandhi changed political protest” explores the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, focusing on key aspects of his journey as a leader and advocate for nonviolent resistance across the globe.

• "No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies" by Naomi Klein explores the impact of globalization on corporate practices and the rise of powerful brand-driven culture. The book critiques the branding strategies that dominate the consumer culture, exposing the negative social and economic consequences of a world increasingly defined by logos and corporate power. Klein advocates for grassroots resistance and social activism to counter the influence of these "brand bullies" and promote a more just and ethical global economy.

Characters channelling archetype in rasa

• The main plot of "Hackers" involves Dade Murphy and his group of friends uncovering and exposing a conspiracy involving a malicious hacker and a corrupt corporation. Dade, also known by his hacker alias "Zero Cool" and later "Crash Override," throughout the story continues to defy authority figures, including law enforcement, corporate entities, and schools. Dade's character embodies individualism and an anti-establishment sentiment. 

• In "Fight Club," both Tyler Durden (a charismatic and anarchic figure who represents a rebellion against consumer culture and societal norms) and The Narrator, also referred to as Jack, (a cog in the consumerist machine, rebels against his dissatisfaction and disillusionment with modern life) can be seen as embodying aspects of the rebel archetype, although in different ways. His journey involves a psychological and existential rebellion against his own identity and societal expectations. While Tyler Durden is often considered the more overtly rebellious and anarchic character; his actions can be interpreted as a form of sacrifice for a perceived greater good or a radical reset of society.

• Katniss Everdeen, in "The Hunger Games" trilogy, rebels against the oppressive Capitol in the dystopian world of Panem. Throughout the series, she makes personal sacrifices for the sake of the rebellion and ultimately becomes a symbol of resistance. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for others aligns with the heroic sacrifice within the rebel archetype.

Channelling the archetype in rasa for business

• The Adbusters Collective is a media foundation known for its anti-consumerist campaigns and subversive artwork. They engage in culture jamming by creating satirical advertisements, encouraging people to question the influence of corporate branding and consumer culture. This parallels the rebel archetype in challenging established norms and resisting the influence of powerful entities.

• Although Apple no longer channels the Rebel archetype, the company’s 1997 "Think Different" campaign celebrated iconic figures who challenged convention and changed the world. The campaign positioned Apple as a brand for rebels, free-thinkers, and innovators, aligning with the rebel archetype. By associating Apple with influential figures who had disrupted the norm, the campaign positioned the company which also thought beyond the ordinary. The campaign went beyond promoting Apple products; it emphasized the values and philosophy that the brand represented. It represented a departure from traditional marketing approaches. Instead of focusing on product features, Apple highlighted a broader brand narrative centred around the rebel archetype.

• Benetton's advertising campaigns have often tackled social and political issues, challenging norms and sparking conversations. The "United Colors of Benetton" campaign, in particular, featured diverse models and addressed topics like race, gender, and social justice. Both the "United Colors of Benetton" campaign and the rebel archetype in "Veeram" challenge societal norms. By utilising controversy to make a statement, Benetton's ads could spark debate due to their provocative nature.

Tell us how these stories made you feel, and where they lead your thinking. We’d love to know.