Peter Morville, a pioneer in information architecture and co-author of the seminal book on the topic, shares his transformative journey. He discusses his decision to retire from consulting to start an animal sanctuary, revealing the emotional complexities of leaving a well-established career. Morville also explores the intersection of philosophy and animal consciousness, emphasizing compassion in both his new venture and the healthcare field. He advocates for redefining success in animal sanctuaries, focusing on meaningful impact rather than size.
Peter Morville's retirement from information architecture consulting signifies a transformative shift towards personal passions and deeper themes in his life.
His new book 'Animals Are People' explores challenging philosophical ideas about human-animal relationships while highlighting the importance of adaptability in creative pursuits.
Deep dives
Transition to a New Chapter
The decision to retire from information architecture consulting represents a significant shift in Peter Morgan's career. After years of being a pioneer in the field and achieving considerable success, he chose to start an animal sanctuary and write a philosophical book about human-animal relationships. This long-considered change marks a move towards aligning his professional life with his personal passions, as he feels compelled to explore deeper themes that transcend his previous work. Embracing this new chapter reflects a desire for fulfillment beyond the traditional bounds of his identity in the information architecture community.
Challenges of Publishing and Categorization
Peter's new book, 'Animals Are People,' has faced challenges in both sales and categorization, being an independent publication that blends fiction and philosophy. He highlights how the book's unique positioning has created difficulties in reaching audiences that typically enjoy either genre distinctly. The fear that the book may elicit guilt or sadness among readers also plays a role in its reception. Despite these issues, he aims for the book to foster joy, encourage a reevaluation of relationships with animals, and challenge traditional Western philosophies.
Reflection on Identity and Career
Peter reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a well-established figure in information architecture to starting over in a completely different field. He recounts the highs and lows of his career, including the success of his early consultancy, Argus Associates, and the eventual recognition of the 'polar bear book' as a foundational text. This transition requires him to redefine his identity and embrace the discomfort of being a novice in animal philosophy and sanctuary work. Understanding the significance of this change highlights both the emotional and practical aspects of reshaping one’s professional narrative after years of established success.
Adapting to Change and Future Perspectives
As technology and societal conditions evolve, Peter discusses the necessity for those entering the workforce to develop skills over mere knowledge, especially amid rapid changes like AI advancement. He draws attention to the importance of understanding lasting wisdom and how timeless principles can guide newer generations. Additionally, Peter emphasizes the significance of adaptability and how exploring areas outside traditional business frameworks can offer rich opportunities for innovative thinking and meaningful contributions. This perspective encourages listeners to embrace their unique capabilities while navigating the changing landscape of their professions.
Peter Morville is a pioneer of information architecture. He co-authored Information Architecture for the World-Wide Web, the classic O’Reilly “polar bear” book on the subject. This is Peter’s third appearance on the show. I asked him back because I wanted to learn about his decision to retire from IA consulting. This is the first of two conversations with Peter about navigating big changes.