With Atlas Shrugged hitting the big screens last weekend, I began reflecting on the works of Ayn Rand. Although I haven't read her in about 5 years, I was curious how her philosophy has affected me as an entrepreneur. In light of this, I bring you 3 start-up lessons from Ayn Rand quotes:
A self-sufficient ego. Nothing else matters -The Fountainhead
No matter what you do, there will always be those who say you can't or won't. Outside of the general 'haters gonna hate' everyone experiences, entrepreneurs face even more detractors because the likelihood of success is relatively low (compared to other professions). That is why entrepreneurs must develop a self-sufficient ego and enough confidence in themselves to overcome the naysayers.
To achieve, you need thought. You have to know what you are doing and that's real power.
I believe this Rand quote speaks to self-awareness. Those successful in business require a full understanding of themselves as well as what is happening around them. Answering questions like "Is this really a good idea, or am I personally too invested in a bad one?" and "Where does my bias lie in this situation?" are very tough to answer, but it is the only way an entrepreneur can achieve total objectivity (no pun intended).
I don't build in order to have clients. I have clients in order to build. -The Fountainhead
I believe this quote truly exemplies an entrepreneur's motivation to create new things. Instead of creating a business strictly for wealth or fame, a successful entrepreneur's main desire is to build. For entrepreneurs, wealth and fame are simply pleasent side effects.
Anyone else out there have an Ayn Rand quote that particularly sticks with them?
