Unraveling the Most Enduring LEGO Misconception
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The enduring myth surrounding the iconic red brick is one I refer to as the classic misconception. While others may label it differently, this is the name I have instinctively chosen. This myth likely ranks among the oldest, first coming to my attention in the mid-90s when a German friend gifted me a traditional set of bricks. As he placed it on the table, he remarked, "this is what LEGO is supposed to be." At the age of 10, I was indifferent to what LEGO was "supposed" to represent; what mattered was that the pieces bore the LEGO logo. Everything else felt trivial.
Fast forward to today, I am no longer a child. Over the years, as I delved deeper into the LEGO universe, I found it increasingly difficult to ignore the notion that LEGO had strayed from its supposed "golden days" of unadulterated play. The incessant claims of "back in my day," reminiscing about the so-called forgotten glory days of the Danish toy maker—when it was believed that everyone played exclusively with 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4 bricks, especially in red—began to irritate me in my twenties. Despite being preoccupied with teenage pursuits, I nevertheless embraced my identity as an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO). By my thirties, I learned to appreciate the opposite sex even more, especially if they shared a fondness for those beloved plastic bricks.
At this point, I allocate around 20% of my writing endeavors to LEGO. Anyone who disapproves of this commitment receives a metaphorical, yet very real, restraining order. I take my passion for LEGO quite seriously. If you ask me, a hobby only counts if it’s taken seriously; otherwise, it’s merely a casual pastime.
What I aim to convey is that my knowledge about LEGO runs deep. This understanding inspired me, about four months ago, to start drafting this article. Growing weary of articles and discussions on specialized forums that perpetuate the myth of LEGO no longer being what it used to be, I decided to provide definitive evidence to dispel this misconception. I wanted to put this myth to rest, educate others, and finally present a compelling counterargument that demonstrates I have enough experience to be taken seriously.
The Misconception of Only Bricks
The claim that LEGO only produced bricks in the 60s and 70s is utterly unfounded. The majority of individuals perpetuating this myth are over 45 years old, many in their 50s and 60s. This is not an ageist statement; it is simply a fact. This age group is fortunate enough to have memories stretching back to the 1960s and 70s. While I appreciate their perspectives, they often misrepresent LEGO's history.
The myth suggests that during the 60s and 70s, LEGO offered nothing but loose bricks. Advocates of this view argue that having simple bricks—without any sets—encouraged greater creativity among children, as opposed to the modern kits available today. One frequently cited example is the 24-piece red brick set, which came in a small cardboard box and retailed for just 50 cents, or about $4 today.
Consider for a moment how plausible it is that a toy company could thrive in the 60s merely by selling 50-cent boxes of red bricks. Upon reflection, it seems highly improbable that they only sold classic red bricks. Sure, they likely sold blue and yellow ones, but even then, it wouldn’t have sustained a business. Fortunately, LEGO started selling a variety of sets as early as 1961.
In fact, if you examine the 1961 catalog, you'll notice that bricks accounted for less than 25% of their offerings. The rest included an impressive range of components like bushes, trees, printed elements, road signs, lamp posts, garage doors, windows, and various plates and slopes. The 229/B extension set serves as a prime example of the diverse selection of bricks available at that time, even featuring electric lights!
As we explore the years, the 1963 Educational set stands out as a remarkable instance of the numerous parts LEGO had already created. Similarly, the train released in 1964 and the airplane in 1965 are not anomalies; they are simply notable examples of sets that many mistakenly claim never existed. While the details may have been less refined, the concept of assembling specific structures using a variety of bricks according to instructions has been around for over half a century!
You may wonder about the mention of Samsonite; that’s a different story for another day, so subscribe to learn more without resorting to a Google search! How convenient is that?
Reflecting on the 60s and the nostalgia surrounding it, I invite you to check out a fantastic article by Manali Mitra that delves into the origins of LEGO.
What Fuels This Myth?
A short and humorous answer? Your parents were frugal. A more serious, yet equally succinct explanation is that they may have been financially constrained. I’m not trying to offend anyone, but every myth has its roots, and this one is no different.
Many people conveniently remember only the small cardboard sets that contained single types of bricks, such as the iconic 24-brick 2x3 box. This is understandable, given that these sets were both iconic and affordable for parents at just 50 cents. However, this affordability is also why many individuals either only recall or choose to remember these sets.
This tendency to assume that just because I didn’t own something, it never existed—and that if all my friends had the same thing, it was the only option available—is a common cognitive bias.
In the past, there was no internet to facilitate information sharing; knowledge was exchanged in schools and through limited television ads, which were insufficient to leave a lasting impression on most children. In stark contrast, today, if a new LEGO set leaks, fans around the globe are informed within hours and are quick to share their opinions. I even learned about Queen Elizabeth II's passing through an Instagram post featuring brick-built corgis that surfaced almost immediately.
The Human Element Behind the Myth
It is entirely human to believe that our personal experiences represent the universal reality. How often do we encounter articles or videos from an American, Australian, or European perspective that make sweeping assumptions about global experiences? It happens frequently. As humans, we struggle to view the world beyond our own limited perspectives, failing to recognize that our reality is merely a fragment of a much larger picture.
The classic red brick myth isn’t rooted in malice; it’s simply a facet of human nature.
A Message to LEGO Enthusiasts
This article is not intended as a critique of any LEGO enthusiast. Let's agree that we all share a love for LEGO in varying forms and move forward. The way younger generations enjoy LEGO doesn't have to mirror the experiences of those who cherished it in the 60s and 70s for us all to appreciate this beloved toy. In fact, LEGO has never abandoned the nostalgic adults who once played with it as children.
There are ample opportunities to recreate those cherished moments. LEGO offers a wide selection of classic sets, and for those yearning for a return to the red-brick days, the pick-a-brick service allows you to purchase as many of those pieces as you desire. To make it easier, I even crunched some numbers for you.
You can still purchase classic red bricks, averaging 17 cents each. Adjusting for inflation, this price remains comparable, possibly even slightly lower. A 2x2 brick costs 14 cents, a 2x3 costs 17 cents, and a 2x4 is priced at 22 cents. Referring to the 1966 assorted basic brick set, which would cost nearly $9 today, it still offers 50 bricks—just like back in the day—with extra change left for a 10x10 baseplate. For even greater savings, check out the pick-a-brick wall at official LEGO stores where you can pack a lot of bricks into a cup—more than you'd expect! So, let's stop lamenting the "good old days"—they're still very much alive!
Affordable LEGO Options
LEGO isn't as pricey as you might think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you snag some deals!
Now that we've cleared this up, can we all agree to go and create something amazing?