The Best Advice for Living Comes from Steve Martin

“Be Obsequious, Purple and Clairvoyant; Put a Live Chicken in Your Underwear.”

Some of my friends would argue that there’s no better source for advice for living than religion. Others would say that ancient philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato and Socrates have the answers. And there are those who will tell you to look to Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz.

But not me.

I look to King Tut; the wild and crazy guy; the man with happy feet; the fire-chief-Cyrano; the man with two brains; the juggling banjo player; one of the three amigos; the one whose heaven is blue — the one and only, Steve Martin.

Of all the things that Steve has said and written, and it’s a voluminously prolific list, to me the quote that sums up how to live is, Be Obsequious, Purple and Clairvoyant; Put a Live Chicken in Your Underwear.

So let’s break it down.

First, to be obsequious means to be excessively servile. Now, didn’t Jesus himself teach that if you wanted to be a leader, you should learn to serve? He said,

“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Robert Greenleaf wrote a book on this very subject in the late 70’s titled, Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power & Greatness, that has since become a foundational touchstone for thousands of business, education and church leaders.

In this age of personal branding and excessive self promotion that borders on narcissism, learning how to put others first seems like pretty sound advice to me.

Next, what does it mean to be purple? This is the color often associated with nobility, creativity, wisdom and peace. All great attributes for a full life.

And if you’re a proponent of color psychology, and purple is your favorite color, it means that you are sensitive and compassionate, understanding and supportive. You are the person others come to for help. Being needed motivates you.

Hard to argue with that advice.

Next, let’s look at being clairvoyant. This is the ability to perceive things beyond our normal senses. Our spiritual side — the non-linear, logic-suspending aspect of our nature. The ability to believe without seeing. This is the nature of faith; the wellspring of hope. To encourage faith and hope also seems like great advice for this life, wouldn’t you agree?

And lastly, what does it mean to put a live chicken in your underwear? Well, I’d like to see you do it and try to stand still. Or try to keep from laughing while you do.

To me this is some of the best advice of all.

Never stand still. Never become complacent. Be a nonconformist. Dance without pants. Sing outside of the shower. Laugh, love and live life with everything you’ve got.

And most importantly, never, ever take yourself too seriously.

So I say poo-poo to Plato. Socrates is full of mediocrities and Dr. Phil is swill.

If you want to follow some great advice for the all-too-short time we have on this blue marble, then start listening to Steve Martin.

When not expressing my excitement when the new phone books arrive, I’m directing creative and writing digital and print fundraising content at richarddeveau.com Email me at, richardadeveau@gmail.com