Schopenhauer – the name flitted across my mind like a agitated firefly on a moonless night. He was a German philosopher who on the basis of his studies of human nature came to the conclusion that the emotional, physical and sexual desires of human beings can never be fulfilled.

His solution: Engage in a lifestyle that is devoid of desire. Shun the desire to possess, accumulate, and covet.

The problem: Will Madison Ave allow us to do this? » Read more: Advertising and its Dominant Influence in our Lives

A recession is typically a time when organizations cut down on their discretionary spending and focus on productivity efforts as opposed to growth. The idea is that given the tight market there’s very little scope for growth, so it’s better to shift focus internally and squeeze some savings out of processes and product rationalization as opposed to finding new avenues for growth.

In terms of marketing initiatives, the first things that get trimmed is spending on efforts where there is very little evidence of actual ROIs. So, companies start cutting down on trade show activity, television sponsorships and advertising, outdoor advertising, big ticket promotions (apart from the usual personnel cuts) while seeking to maintain share and brand presence. » Read more: How to manage Ad spends in a recession

Good TV shows are products of excellence. They’re well crafted, have enduring story lines with strong appeal and are, in some ways, reasonable works of art. Sometimes art is so credible that life automatically imitates it. In a way, that’s the definition of  advertising. You state a desired need and demonstrate an effective product that meets that need. You do this in the form of an Ad on TV, the radio, billboards, social media and the Internet. And, then you watch and wait. If product sales improve, you’ve done your job. If not, time to rethink the existing need. » Read more: MadMen’s thought-provoking lines