Today, I decided to throw together a little mashup. The idea, what wisdom can digital entrepreneurs gain from famous works of literature. So of all the works of literature available to me, which did I choose? How about one of the most densely written, socio-political treatises ever written - Frank Herbert’s, Dune.
Sit back, pull up a chair and let’s see what this rich cast of characters can teach us.
Self confidence
“Muad’Dib learned rapidly because his first training was in how to learn. And the first lesson of all was the basic trust that he could learn. It’s shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult. Muad’Dib knew that every experience carries its lesson.” –from The Humanity of Muad’Dib by the Princess Irulan
One of the hardest parts of building a business is learning all of the new skills required of you. Harder still is getting over the belief that you are incapable of learning. Learn to learn, it’s in you.
Humility
“The person who experiences greatness must have a feeling for the myth he is in. He must reflect what is projected upon him. And he must have a strong sense of the sardonic. This is what uncouples him from belief in his own pretensions. The sardonic is all that permits him to move within himself. Without this quality, even occasional greatness will destroy a man.” –from Collected Sayings of Muad’Dib by the Princess Irulan
Greatness and humility must sleep in the same bed. Mangers who don’t understand that half of their job is acting as a listening ear rarely excel. Without excellence, there is only failure.
Common Sense
“Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.” –from The Sayings of Muad’Dib by the Princess Irulan
Wake up and smell the Latte. Common sense is neither common nor does it ever make sense. While there is a small chance logic will lead you to glory. True leadership comes from marked purpose and applied intuition . . .
Leadership
“A world is supported by four things … the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing … without a ruler who knows the art of ruling. Make that the science of your tradition!” –Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, to Paul Atreides
Don’t you get it? The art of leadership is strength! Manage through action. Manage through force of will. Disagreement should be met with wisdom and dissent crushed beneath your jack boot.
The Art Of Living.
“Bless the Maker and all His Water. Bless the coming and going of Him, May His passing cleanse the world. May He keep the world for his people.” –Fremen saying
The spice must flow . . .
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