Someone I'd Truly Like to Meet

"I want to be Seth Godin." I don't remember who I was talking to at the time, but those words just rolled right on out. It shocked me.

Fortunately, I was on the phone, and could use the fuzzy telephonic interface to gloss over the statement with a careless chuckle. But however I may deny it to others, I did actually say that. Ever since, I wonder what the hell I meant by it.

It's not because he's glamorous. Godin's routine and reserve are notorious. He doesn't even Twitter.

It's not because he's cute, unless you like the large-nosed, bald-pated look.

And it's not only because he's smart, since a whole bunch of people are smart. When asked who I would want to meet from all time, my first thought was Leonardo da Vinci. I mean, smart is assumed.

No, I think it's because Godin is smart and he's also a conscientious, street savvy no-bull****ter. He arbitrates the marketing world like a samurai. His leadership is uncanny in our chaotic society.

Perhaps it's odd to venerate a scion of mere marketing. Yet internet business makes today's marketing succumb to social graces and responsibilities. And Godin becomes godfather not just of PR but of social consciousness at large. His teachings pertain increasingly to the individual, as business itself restructures to rely increasingly on personal initiatives more than corporate motives. At the same time, he speaks to institutions and governments, demanding rationality. His voice is quiet but bears resounding strength.

I'd like to meet Seth Godin for tea in a New York salon of some sort and ask him questions in the manner that I grill most folks if they'll let me, and find out all about his successes, failures, loves, and fears.

I would make him king of my conversation gallery, and all my life I'd savor my moment with this genteel guru.