Foundation of Modern Values

 Later this fall, an essential collection of writings by Epicurus and Lucretius—a student of Epicurus’—which shows the amazing thought processes of these early philosophers is being published. As the introduction by Anya Leonard points out, Epicurus is misunderstood for espousing a hedonistic lifestyle. These essays and fragments show that Epicurus, following another philosopher’s work, Democritus’, spent a lot of time positing the composition of matter (atoms) and the triune nature of a human—soul, body, mind—as well as some cosmology.. Epicurus is one of the forefathers of metaphysics, the origin and nature of things, values and time. And by doing so, Epicurus explained the phenomena too often attributed to the capricious and jealous gods—storms, illnesses, etc. His goal was to explain a lot so that we would not fear these kinds of gods. He did marvelously well looking at macro-effects in the world to deduce the micro-nature of our universe.

While pleasure is desired over pain, Epicurus suggests in a way that all things should be taken in moderation. Pleasure is not the be-all and end-all. “It is not possible to live pleasantly without living prudently and honorably and justly….” (Principle Doctrines, V), a sentiment carried forward into the Declaration of Independence with the “pursuit of happiness.” The drafters in the Continental Congress were influenced by the sentiments of Epicurus such that happiness meant tranquility, serenity, “The justice which arises from nature is a pledge of mutual advantage to restrain men from harming one another and save them from being harmed” (Principle…, XXI), i.e. let’s have a society operating on win-win so that we all might live in peace—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Epicurus is a foundational thinker influencing many of our modern values and cultural norms.

What is also clear is that Epicurus’ disciples seem to ramble into strange fringes, such as Lucretius’ advocacy of “schadenfreude” (the pleasure at witnessing someone else’s discomfort or troubles). While this might resonate with some readers, it raises the paradox of empathy/friendship (which Epicurus highly valued) with the avoidance of pain even the contagion of someone else’s dire circumstances. (Some have experienced the loss of friendships concurrently with the loss of a job or a spouse or health.)

Though the ancient writing (and translations) are dense, heavy, repetitive, a reader can glean many important concepts and conundrums. Some of what Epicurus postulates doesn’t synchronize with our modern understandings, but it’s amazing given his era’s lack of scientific investigation. This book is a concise introduction to one of the great Greek philosophers.

I’m appreciative of the publisher for providing an early copy.

Leaping into Entrepreneurship

 Wickman provides tools, assessments, schedules/plans for the entrepreneur who’s in the midst of launching, failing to see it grow or just contemplating launching a business. This book will guide many in what it takes to start and grow. He doesn’t deal with the nuts and bolts—like registering an LLC with the state and federal governments or drafting contracts—but provides written mentoring in the book and on the website.

Self-proclaimed entrepreneurs, like Wickman, try to distinguish themselves from “mere” business owners or the self-employed lifestyle business starters who use subcontractors. He, as well as the author of “The Entrepreneurial Brain,” describe themselves as ADD/ADHD, school dropouts and discontent with the status quo. They disciple themselves after others like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, et al. When Jeff Hays in “Entrepreneurial Brain” says you need to be wired a certain way, Wickman doesn’t but does describe the passion and drive and other traits he believes are necessary to succeed. 

Contrast this approach to David Sax’s “Soul of an Entrepreneur” which celebrates those who have maintained a business for decades, even generations, sometimes without growth, sometimes launching out of necessity. Where half (or more) business fail in the first five years and most don’t survive the 2nd generation from the founder, Wickman fails to differentiate the ability to launch and grow a business from launching and surviving/thriving of a business beyond expectations. Does that take a different kind of person than an “entrepreneur” or are all people who start businesses or significantly grow an established business entrepreneurs?

This book, like his earlier one “Traction,” is a replete with checklists, worksheets and lists. He summarizes surveys of self-selected entrepreneurs as to what they would do differently and what they did to succeed. While his books are good, it’s a little off-putting to see so many in the recommended reading list. He does provide a nice summary and roadmap of the tools in the back. Unlike “Traction” whose tools and techniques were described in a different order than they would be used, Wickman puts these tools in order. Like “Traction,” the information in this book will not be new or striking for anyone who has been entrepreneurial: for example, one of his pieces of advice is not to only test market your product and service with friends and family—advice given to many entrepreneurs by their mentors.

For those thinking of starting a business, this book is highly recommended and a quick read and you’ll probably refer to it a lot in your entrepreneurial journey.