Dikes Before the Flood
Nothing is more difficult, more perilous, or more uncertain than to introduce a new order of things. The innovator has enemies in all who did well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. Armed prophets conquer. Unarmed ones are destroyed. The founding moment is perishable. Institutions harden around whoever writes them first.
Key Insight
Founding rewards people who accept imperfect conditions and move. Waiting for legitimacy often means someone bolder writes the rules you will later have to obey. Patience is a holding skill. Acquisition is a timing skill. Do not mix them up in a vacant space.
“there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.”Full analysis
